“Looking forward to getting my rating up”: Caleb Williams makes his feelings known on becoming first Bears player to appear on Madden NFL 27 cover

Caleb Williams has reached another milestone in what is quickly becoming a remarkable NFL journey.

On Wednesday, EA Sports announced Madden NFL 27 covers, with Williams earning the spotlight as the first Chicago Bears player ever to appear on a Madden cover. The Standard Edition captures the star quarterback’s signature jump pass, while the Deluxe Edition shows his “Iceman” celebration along with his custom nail painting.

The selection comes after a memorable 2025 season. Williams threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, broke the Bears’ single-season passing record, and helped deliver the franchise’s first division title since 2018. He also led Chicago to its first playoff win in 15 years, so his Madden cover appearance is a fitting reward for a breakthrough campaign.

Williams will begin the Madden NFL 27 cycle with a 90 overall rating, though he has already set his sights on climbing higher. Speaking after being announced as the cover athlete, he described the honor as a dream come true and reflected on his longtime connection to the Madden franchise.

“When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true,” Williams said, via ESPN. “Being on the cover of ‘Madden NFL 27’ is a full-circle moment. I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be part of the game.

“I know fans are going to love what’s new in this year’s game, and I’m looking forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season.”

One of the defining characteristics of the Bears’ 2025 season was their ability to perform in high-pressure moments. Led by Caleb Williams, the team repeatedly found ways to secure late wins.

The challenge now will be sustaining that success this year. Entering the 2026 season, the Bears face high expectations as they attempt to build on a division title and playoff breakthrough under second-year head coach Ben Johnson.

Off the field, Williams’ profile continues to rise. EA Sports’ plans to reveal additional Madden NFL 27 gameplay details on June 4, with the game’s full release expected later in August.

Should Caleb Williams be worried about the Madden curse?

Caleb Williams’ selection as the Madden NFL 27 cover athlete places him in elite company, but it also brings back the memories of one of football’s most concerning superstitions.

The so-called “Madden curse” has followed the video game franchise for decades. Whenever a cover athlete experiences injuries, a decline in performance, or an unexpectedly difficult season, fans often connect those struggles to the cover appearance. Even though a number of cover athletes still went on to perform at a high level, those that experienced memorable setbacks tend to receive the most attention.

Now Williams joins a list of former cover stars that includes some of the biggest names in NFL history, most recently San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey and Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley. Whether the superstition holds any significance or not, it is almost certain to remain part of the conversation throughout the 2026 season.

The biggest challenge for Williams in 2026 will be the expectations that come with becoming the face of one of sports’ most recognizable video game franchises. He was already under considerable pressure to prove that his breakout season was sustainable, but the Madden cover only increases the scrutiny.

Fair or not, every poor performance will likely generate discussion about the superstition, so fans can expect Williams to be one of the most heavily analyzed players in the league this season.