SAN Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey has been revealed as the Madden 25 cover athlete, leaving NFL fans in fear.

The superstitious part of the football world dreads the Madden curse based on the bad luck experienced by some NFL stars after they were featured in the video game’s promo art in the past.

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The phenomenon dates back to Madden 99, which had 49ers running back Garrison Hearst on the cover.

Hearst broke his leg a few months later.

He then suffered complications following surgery and would eventually spend two seasons on the sidelines.

Since then, the curse has also struck the likes of Barry Sanders – who simply retired, though, rather than sustained a serious injury – Peyton Hillis, and Rob Gronkowski.

And seeing McCaffrey, 28 gracing the cover of Madden 25, NFL fans and fantasy football managers got concerned.

“Come on! I need him healthy this year,” one wrote.

“This makes me not want to draft him in the first round now,” another added.

“Aaaaaaand the NEWWW participate of The Madden Curse is…” a third said.

“Welp. There goes his season #MaddenCurse,” one wrote.

McCaffrey has already spent a significant amount of time off the field due to injuries in his career.

While with the Carolina Panthers, he played in just 10 games between 2020-2021 due to ankle, shoulder, and hamstring problems.

The All-Pro running back has been much healthier over the past two years, though.

McCaffrey made 16 appearances during the 2023 regular season, leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,459) and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (21).

His effort earned the 49ers star the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year honor.

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McCaffrey is the first running back to be named the Madden star athlete since Sanders and Adrian Peterson in 2013.

He succeded Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the EA Sports video game’s cover.

“To be on the cover of Madden NFL is a career achievement and an honor I share with all of my teammates, coaches and 49er Faithful who have helped make it possible,” the ex-Stanford standout said in a statement.

“I’m pumped to get back on the field this year to give Madden players more reasons to keep scoring touchdowns with me in Madden NFL 25.”

The trailer for Madden 25 will drop on June 23, EA Sports has revealed.

The video game will be released on August 16.