Rich Eisen has become the latest sports media member to be featured in a football video game, Madden 24.
Unlike his counterparts Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, Eisen is a playable character in the game.
He can be unlocked in the Madden Ultimate Team game mode and starts with an overall rating of 88, which can be upgraded to 93.
This character is a tribute to Eisen’s annual “Run, Rich,
Run” event that raises funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital during the NFL Draft Combine.
I'm in the game!
Dash into @EASPORTS_MUT tomorrow to claim my 88 OVR item, featuring my notorious (lack of) speed!
Score 20 Touchdowns with me to upgrade that item to 93 OVR and leave defenders in the dust! @EAMaddenNFL #ad pic.twitter.com/26s4uuUDHc
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) February 29, 2024
The announcement of Eisen’s inclusion in the game received positive feedback from the Madden Ultimate Team subreddit.
Fans wondered about the team chemistries he would have, with Eisen expected to have a Jets Team Chem, representing his favorite football team.
EA Sports and other sports video game publishers have found success with their Ultimate Team game modes, which allow players to combine current stars with legendary players.
These modes also capitalize on the popularity of microtransactions and mystery packs.
They are always looking for new features and surprises to attract fans, including unexpected additions like the Rich Eisen NFL combine card.
Eisen’s Madden Ultimate Team card is rated at 88 overall but can be upgraded to 93 overall if players score 20 touchdowns with him in the game.
Initially, his card has a speed rating of 64, but it increases to 94 with the upgrade.
This makes Eisen faster in the game than other highly rated players like Gale Sayers.
Although it may seem strange to see Rich Eisen outrunning elite defenders and Hall of Famers in the game, it should be remembered that it is just a video game.
It would be exciting if Eisen became one of the top cards that top players would use.
Additionally, it would be interesting to see an entire Ultimate Team composed of NFL broadcasters, with Jim Nantz at quarterback throwing to Joe Buck, recreating Randy Moss’ iconic celebrations.
Fans hope that EA will continue to provide such entertaining additions to the game.
Fans reacted as follows:
Imagine if they would of had you fumble in the end zone
— Anthony Sandford (@AnthonySandford) February 29, 2024
This is when you know Madden is dead
— Jack MeHoff (@BrentPaterson94) February 29, 2024
Imagine if 2K did something like this with Mike Breen 😂 @CallMeMeech_
— Kim Sanity (@KimSanity45) February 29, 2024
The Jets can’t even score 20 touchdowns
— Bob (@culverfan) February 29, 2024
First off, you play for the Jets, you get tackled just before the goal line and coach is mad at you & pulled you in close WTH Eisen
— peace✌🏼.eth (@SpurNRayray) February 29, 2024
No offense Rich but even if you played mut you wouldn’t use that card 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️😂😂
— John (@John23263205) February 29, 2024
94 speed?!?! pic.twitter.com/unoAMPP2f1
— JTB (@jtb1012) February 29, 2024
@_willcompton hits you with the BUS at the goal line and Eisen fumbles! Need a ride Rich 🤣
— Dean DuVall (@DuvallDean50529) February 29, 2024
The disrespect of you being tackled before you reached the end zone. No one’s catching up to that express train.
— briancharles (@briancharles007) February 29, 2024
There’s no way they showed you getting scoop tackled before the goal line like that 😂😂😂
— James Sauls (@james_souls) February 29, 2024
As cool as this is, they should have programmed you to always wear a suit
— Gerald Marafioti (@J_B_Hunkamunka) February 29, 2024
We got Leon sandcastle last time now we get Rich Eisen EA needs to do more of these this is gonna be fun can’t wait to do wheel routes with this card
— TheWildestVideos2023Tiktok (@nick_mcavena) February 29, 2024
please make it every team chem bc im 100% gonna use you and always GO BLUE
— Nate Thacker (@nate01thacker) February 29, 2024
