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South Carolina football: 4 players that could’ve been on Madden cover

By Jacob Elsey

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive end John Abraham #55 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced before the Falcons take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive end John Abraham #55 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced before the Falcons take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe (84) catches a pass between a pair of defenders during a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on December 19, 1993, at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ali A. Jorge/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Sterling Sharpe

Sharpe was a dynamic player for the Green Bay Packers, who ultimately had his career cut short due to a severe neck injury. After a fantastic college career, the wideout was selected seventh overall by the Pack in the 1988 Draft.

Over his seven-year career, Sharpe three times led the NFL in catches, twice led the league in touchdowns, and once topped the competition in yards. He did all three in an All-Pro 1992 season where he set Green Bay franchise records for catches and yards. He topped his own record in ’93 by hauling in 112 receptions.

Sharpe’s career ended after the 1994 season, and at the time of his retirement, he ranked among the NFL’s top ten leaders in catches, yards, and yards per game. That’s while playing just 112 career contests and being forced to leave the league before he turned 30. Oh what could’ve been.

While the Madden series was in full force during Sharpe’s playing career, John Madden, himself, was on the cover up until the 2000 season release. Sharpe was one of the game’s best receiver throughout his tenure, ranking only behind Jerry Rice in terms of production. Had he had the opportunity, Sharpe would’ve likely ended up on a Madden cover in the early 90s.

John Abraham

Abraham is the all-time leader in sacks for the Atlanta Falcons, and he ranks third all-time in New York Jets history. The defensive end ranks eighth in NFL history in tackles for loss, according to pro-football reference, and is also among the league’s all-time leaders in forced fumbles.

Abraham was a first-round pick following an All-SEC tenure in Columbia. Over his 15-year career, he racked up 133.5 sacks, 148 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 47 forced fumbles, and five Pro Bowl appearances. While he never led the NFL in sacks, Abraham did tally double digit quarterback takedowns eight times.

Unfortunately for Abraham, offensive players were chosen for the Madden cover 13 of his 15 seasons in the league. Despite a Hall of Fame career, the defender never landed the honor.

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