Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
south carolina football
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore intercepts a pass meant for the Dolphins’ Preston Williams in the first half of the Patriots 2020 season-opener. [The Providence Journal / Kris Craig]Pats Defense Ruins The Fitzmagic Show /
Stephon Gilmore

Gilmore was the NFL’s defensive player of the year in 2019, picking off a league-high six passes and tallying 20 pass breakups. The cornerback returned two of those interceptions for scores, and helped the New England Patriots boast the NFL’s top defensive unit. Unfortunately, Gilmore was beat out by Patrick Mahomes for the Madden ’20 cover.

In his nine-year career, the former first-round selection has notched 25 career picks and broken up 114 passes. He’s twice finished in the top five in the league in interceptions, passes defended, and return yards.

Gilmore is still considered to be one of the NFL’s top corners, but he may have missed out on his best opportunity to land on the cover.

Who’s Next?

The Gamecocks have a slew of talented NFL players currently in the league. Could Jadeveon Clowney have a big year in Cleveland to land the honor in 2022? What about players like Melvin Ingram, Deebo Samuel, and Hayden Hurst?

Could one of the Gamecocks’ recent first-round picks, Jaycee Horn or Javon Kinlaw, sneak into the conversation? Time will tell as those careers play out, but so long as Madden keeps coming out with new editions, the opportunity will remain.

We’ll keep an eye on all of the league’s former Gamecocks, and see who will become the first South Carolina footaballer to land the honor.

Related Story. Former Gamecocks tabbed as NFL breakout stars. light

Home/South Carolina Football