As Lebron James jokes get carried away across the Internet, another controversial athlete has been unveiled as the frontman for the next entry of the Madden NFL series.

ESPN has announced that Richard Sherman, cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, is going to be the lucky player to grace the cover of Madden NFL 15. In a recent contest held by EA Sports, Sherman beat out co-finalist Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, to win the spotlight of the next big NFL game.

This marks the second Seahawks superstar to be on a Madden NFL cover, with running back Shaun Alexander doing so in 2007. Sherman is also the third defensive player in history to be on Madden's box art, with Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis doing so in 2005 and Pittburgh safety Troy Polamalu on the 2010 cover.

"Winning the cover is a kid's dream come true," Sherman said. "I would never be in the position without my fellow Legion of Boom members and teammates."

Sherman has been looked at as a controversial player this year due to his postgame interview after the Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 in the NFC Championship Game back in January. Regardless of what naysayers think, today looks like a great day to be a part of Sherman's Legion of Boom.

Madden NFL 15 will kick off on Aug. 26 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.

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