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I'm not as superstitious as my family or many athletes, but what should we make out of the Madden curse?
I was a nonbeliever, at first.
In 1999, Garrison Hearst, the first to grace the cover of the video game, ended up hurting his ankle.
I thought, "No biggie. It happens with running backs."
But the list continues with Sanders, George, Culpepper, Faulk, McNabb, Lewis, Vick and Favre. While Favre didn't get injured this past season, he was traded from the franchise he loved and had a sub-Favre season.
LaDainian Tomlinson was to be on the game's cover as well, but backed out - a smart move - however, he still suffered injuries these past couple of years.
My own little Christmas usually comes in April with the NFL draft - though this year, not so much for me.
While I was going through the list of draft picks, I realized a double dose of the Madden curse might actually happen.
Troy Palomalu will be sharing this year's cover of "Madden NFL 10" with Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. This would be the second time a defensive player has been on the game cover and a first for a wide receiver.
But what about the Madden curse?
I predict last year's mishaps will be the last of Madden's mark.
While others may be thinking about the curse, I'm not sure how excited I am for Sunday Night Football anymore.
The 2009 football season crept up early this spring when John Madden surprised me with his retirement.
The "Booms" and "Here's a guy's" can now only be heard on Madden video games, and I feel honored, as a fan, to have learned to respect the former Raider. Those loyal to the AFC West know how hard that is.
I hope you fans remembered to record the Super Bowl this year, as it was Madden's last game as an announcer. I now regret teasing my dad every year for recording the big games.
I will miss Madden's random yellow-penned markings while I watch football on TV, showing us different routes the teams could have taken. I'll even miss the sight of the Madden bus cruising through San Diego.
John Madden was one of the reasons I chose sports journalism. I've always wanted to do radio broadcasting or get paid to be on TV for talking smack and not get hated for it.
Unfortunately, Madden has thrown in the towel, so we'll have to see if the curse lives on without him.
But, thank you, John Madden, for inspiring me to pursue sports 'til this day.
Natalia can be reached at
sportseditor@theorion.com
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