The Iconic Cover: Terrell Davis Graces the Front of Madden Football '99

Introduction

The Madden NFL video game series is a cultural phenomenon that has captivated football fans for decades. Each year, the release of the latest edition is highly anticipated, and the cover athlete is a highly coveted honor. In 1999, the honor went to running back Terrell Davis, who graced the cover of Madden NFL '99.

Terrell Davis's Career

Terrell Davis, born October 20, 1972, is a former American football player who spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos. After a stellar college career at the University of Georgia, he was selected in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Broncos.

Despite playing behind Pro Bowl running back John Elway, Davis quickly emerged as a star. In 1997, he rushed for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The following year, he established himself as one of the league's most dominant running backs, leading the NFL in both rushing yards (2,008) and touchdowns (17).

In 1998, Davis became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards and score 20 touchdowns in the same season. He capped off his extraordinary season by helping the Broncos win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. In the Super Bowl XXXII victory over the Green Bay Packers, Davis was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Madden NFL '99

Madden NFL '99 was the seventh installment in the Madden NFL video game series developed by Electronic Arts (EA Sports). It was released in August 1998 for various platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC.

The game featured several new features and enhancements, including the introduction of the "Blitz" button for defensive players and the ability to play as the Broncos, who had just won Super Bowl XXXII. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over six million copies worldwide.

Terrell Davis on the Cover

The decision to feature Terrell Davis on the cover of Madden NFL '99 was a no-brainer. After his record-breaking season and Super Bowl MVP performance, he was one of the most recognizable and popular players in the NFL.

Davis's appearance on the cover was also a testament to the diversity of the game. For the first time, an African American running back was featured on the cover of a Madden game. This milestone was a significant step forward for the representation of players of color in the video game industry.

Legacy

Terrell Davis's appearance on the cover of Madden NFL '99 has become one of the most iconic images in sports gaming history. It represents the height of his career and his status as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

Davis's legacy extends beyond the football field. He is an inspiration to young athletes and serves as a role model for children of all races and backgrounds. His story is one of hard work, determination, and overcoming adversity.

Conclusion

Terrell Davis's appearance on the cover of Madden NFL '99 was a pivotal moment in both video game history and the NFL. It was a testament to his extraordinary talent and the diversity of the game. Davis's legacy as one of the greatest NFL players and an inspiration to countless fans continues to endure.

Additional Information

Key Statistics

• Terrell Davis rushed for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns in 1997.
• He led the NFL in rushing yards (2,008) and touchdowns (17) in 1998.
• Davis was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Awards and Accomplishments

• 3x Pro Bowl selection
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1998)
• Super Bowl XXXII MVP
• Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
• NFL 100 All-Time Team

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: Perseverance Pays Off

Terrell Davis was not a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. He was not drafted until the sixth round of the NFL Draft. However, he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NFL. Through hard work and determination, he became one of the greatest running backs of all time.

Lesson: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes to achieve them.

Story 2: Overcoming Adversity

Davis faced many challenges throughout his career, including a serious knee injury that nearly ended his career. However, he never used adversity as an excuse. Instead, he used it as motivation to become a stronger player.

Lesson: Adversity is an opportunity to grow and learn. Use it as fuel to reach your full potential.

Story 3: The Importance of Belief

Davis always believed in himself, even when others doubted him. He never let anyone tell him what he couldn't do. As a result, he was able to achieve great things.

Lesson: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do.

Tips and Tricks

• Use the "Blitz" button to generate pressure on the quarterback.
• Learn how to use the new "Playmaker" controls to make spectacular plays.
• Practice your passing game to become a more complete player.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't overuse the "Blitz" button. It can leave your defense vulnerable to big plays.
• Don't get caught up in trying to make highlight-reel plays. Focus on making solid plays and winning the game.
• Don't neglect your passing game. A balanced attack will make you a more difficult opponent to beat.

FAQs

Q: Who is Terrell Davis?
A: Terrell Davis is a former American football player who spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1998 and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII.

Q: What was Terrell Davis's significance in football?
A: Davis was one of the most dominant running backs of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards and score 20 touchdowns in the same season.

Q: Why was Terrell Davis on the cover of Madden NFL '99?
A: Davis was featured on the cover of Madden NFL '99 because he was one of the most popular and recognizable players in the NFL at the time. His record-breaking season and Super Bowl MVP performance made him a natural choice for the cover.

Q: Is Terrell Davis still alive?
A: Yes, Terrell Davis is still alive. He retired from football in 2001 and has since worked as a broadcaster and coach.

Q: What is Terrell Davis's relationship to Eddie George?
A: Terrell Davis and Eddie George were both running backs in the NFL during the same era. They were often compared to each other and were considered to be two of the best running backs in the league.

Q: What other players have been on the cover of Madden NFL games?
A: Other players who have been on the cover of Madden NFL games include John Madden, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Randy Moss, Ray Lewis, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Tom Brady, Calvin Johnson, and Antonio Brown.

Tables

Table 1: Terrell Davis's Career Statistics

Table 2: Madden NFL '99 Features

Table 3: Other Players on the Cover of Madden NFL Games