Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders has announced on social media that he is ending his relationship with EA Sports and will no longer allow them to use his name and likeness in the Madden video game franchise.
This news comes as a surprise for many fans, as Sanders has been a prominent figure in the game for years, even gracing the cover of Madden 25 in 2013.
NFL legend Barry Sanders says he's ending his relationship with EA Sports and the Madden franchise. pic.twitter.com/AkvPbm434q
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 30, 2024
While Sanders did not provide a specific reason for his decision, it is not uncommon for NFL players and coaches to sever ties with EA Sports.
In 2019, former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was not included in the game due to a contract issue between EA Sports and the NFL Coaches Association.
This decision by Sanders means that fans will no longer be able to use him on their Madden Ultimate Team, and it also likely eliminates the possibility of him being included in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 game.
Ultimate Team is a popular game mode where players collect cards to build their own roster of current and former players.
Hey @EASPORTS_MUT @EASPORTS @EAMaddenNFL gamers & fans…. Breaking News.
I have decided after many years to discontinue my relationship with the brand & the products.
I apologize for those that were expecting me in the games.
I leave you with #CyberBarry @Lions @NFL @NFLPA pic.twitter.com/w6mav1nILY
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 30, 2024
Sanders’ absence from the Madden franchise will be felt by fans, as he was known for his impressive skills and is considered one of the best running backs in NFL history.
Throughout his career, Sanders amassed over 15,000 rushing yards and earned multiple awards, including the Heisman Trophy in 1988.
EA Sports’ Madden franchise has been criticized in the past for its handling of legends, as they are only available in certain game modes and not in offline modes.
The game mode Ultimate Team generates over $1 billion in annual revenue for EA Sports.
While Sanders’ decision may disappoint fans, it remains to be seen if other NFL legends will follow suit.
The upcoming release of Madden 25 will be missing one of the greatest football players of all time, which is just the latest blow for a franchise that has faced controversy in recent years.
Fans reacted as follows:
We desperately need NFL to end the monopoly with EA. 2K needs to make a NFL game again.
EA has gotten lazy with madden and hasn't improved the game at all.
— Hitesh (@Cashbinoo) April 30, 2024
Sad day pic.twitter.com/41iLJW6Ork
— Cody Pestino (@coderedpicks) April 30, 2024
Even Barry knows the game sucks
— Eric (@WI2AZ_Schmitty) April 30, 2024
MUT ruined Madden
— World View Matters! (@TheLast6percent) April 30, 2024
His son still work at EA?
— Alex (@ALEX_IX3) April 30, 2024
Hell yeah Barry.
Good on you for not wanting to be associated with such a low quality, trash product for the last decade.
— Ghost of Adam Gase (@GhostOfAdamGase) April 30, 2024
No apologies needed! I wouldn’t want my name and likeness to be associated with that pile of crap they call a “simulation football game” either.
— Kevin Smith (@SmithBKevin) April 30, 2024
I think we can all agree together that @EAMaddenNFL sucks ass for this
— Dom (@itsdomyoutube) April 30, 2024
It’s time for @nflcommish to rescind their exclusivity agreement
Their franchise mode has been terrible for over a decade. Other companies should have the ability to compete in the marketplace and have the ability to put out a product fans want to enjoy
— Chicago Giants Fan (CGF_Sports) (@CGF_Sports) April 30, 2024
Need the NFL and NFLPA to not give exclusivity to EA. The Madden games have been trash for years now. Just paying money for roster updates.
— Ryan Kohler (@RyanKohler10) April 30, 2024
I bet even Barry Sanders is worried that the new NCAA game will be like Madden
— Herd Bros (@TheHerdBros) April 30, 2024
We’re boycotting the game too Barry it’s nothing but a roster update
— Way Outside The Nest Podcast (@outsidethenest_) April 30, 2024
Well after they did you wrong so many times and had Todd Hurley better than you , I would withdraw too my guy , good choice
— GodOfThunder153 (@GodofThunder153) April 30, 2024
