Barry Sanders Runs Free on Madden NFL 25 Cover

After a lengthy voting process, the public has spoken, and one of the greatest NFL players of all time will finally get his due as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 25.

The final voting showdown between arguably the greatest current running back in the NFL and arguably the most talented and revered running back of the past came down to the wire. When all was said and done, Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders walked away victorious over Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson, claiming the honor of Madden NFL 25 cover star all to himself.

The announcement was broadcasted live on ESPN on Wednesday night, where Sanders was shown the cover to the game featuring his younger self streaking downfield. More than 40 million votes were cast overall, with 700,000 votes deciding the final round of the tournament. Technically Sanders was on the cover of Madden NFL 2000 (a shot of him escaping a Bears defender was pasted behind John Madden), but this occasion marks the first time Sanders has truly starred on the front of the box. This is also the first time in Madden's history that the same team has been represented more than once, and back-to-back.

In commemoration of the news, EA Sports also released the first teaser trailer for Madden NFL 25 which showcases the new running game. More videos are planned to release sporadically through the summer until Madden NFL 25's release on August 27th.

Check out the video below, and let us know if you're glad to see Barry Sanders finally see the recognition he so deserved.