New England Patriots superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski was named the cover athlete for EA Sports' popular football video game Madden NFL 17. 

After finishing as the runner up to New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham for the honor last season, Gronk reigned victorious when the decision was announced today.

An NFL.com report noted that there was a large school of thought that the cover would go to reigning league MVP Cam Newton, of the Carolina Panthers. Instead Tom Brady's top target was given the nod.


There has been a documented history of Madden cover athletes suffering injuries in their cover years. While it hasn't happened in the last couple of seasons, there's always that irrational fear by the player's fan base that the "Madden Curse" may strike.

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