Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, was announced as EA Sports' cover athlete for Madden NFL 27 on Wednesday.
What happened?
The standard cover features Williams in a jump-throw pose, similar to his play in a wild-card playoff game against Green Bay on Jan. 10.
Williams' arm is cocked to throw and his feet are spread, with the Chicago skyline in the background.
Why it matters for Caleb Williams
Being on the cover is a childhood dream come true for Williams, who grew up playing Madden and imagining himself in the game.
The deluxe edition features a tight shot of Williams with his arms crossed, set against a dark, night-like background with snow falling around him.
What comes next?
Williams had a spectacular season, passing for a franchise-record 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 regular-season games.
His teammates, including Rome Odunze and Tyrique Stevenson, praised the cover, with Odunze calling it a "throwback" and Stevenson saying he's proud to be on a team with someone featured on the Madden cover.
On Jan. 10, Williams made a memorable play in a wild-card playoff game, throwing a fourth-and-8 jump pass to Odunze in a stirring comeback victory over Green Bay.
Reaction from teammates
Odunze said the cover was "dope" and a tribute to Williams' kind of play, while Stevenson joked that Williams has to sign his copy of the game.
The 2025 Bears became known for their late-game theatrics, staging several comeback victories and dramatic rallies throughout the season.
Williams' performance earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and his feature on the Madden NFL 27 cover solidifies his status as a rising star in the league.