Yesterday, EA Sports announced that for the first time in the franchise’s twenty year history a retired player will be featured on the cover of Madden NFL Football. The latest release of the popular football title will be launched on August 12, 2008 and many an avid Maddenite will be absent for work (start making your excuses up now). When asked about putting Brett Favre on the cover of the 20th Anniversary Edition, Madden NFL Executive Producer Dale Jackson said “Brett Favre is a perfect fit for the Madden NFL 09 cover, as he epitomizes everything the franchise has stood for the past 20 years - longevity, excellence, and a love of football.”

According to EA the newest edition of Madden Football will have 85+ improvements over last years version. They have also gotten rid of the goofy radio announcer and replaced him with Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond. As with each new Madden version the graphics have been enhanced out the wazoo and include more realistic weather and grass, exterior stadium views, and sleeker player models. For the first time since EA took the franchise online with XBOX Live the franchise will now have full 32-team online leagues; something fans of the online community have wanted for years. I am a huge fan of the franchise and cannot wait for the 09 version. See you all on the field on August 12, 2008. Pre Order now…so you don’t miss out.