Updated: April 16, 2007, 11:16 PM ET

Madden Cover Curse: Fact or fiction?

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We all know the story: He who graces the cover of Madden NFL is doomed to injury and misfortune. Whether you think it's a silly urban legend or an undeniable truth, the Madden Cover Curse has become an entrenched part of football lore. As we await the announcement of this year's Madden NFL cover athlete -- or victim as some may believe -- take a look back and decide for yourself: Madden Cover Curse -- fact or fiction?

 
Madden NFL Cover Curse
 
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SEASON BEFORE COVER
(2005-2006)
G ATT YDS AVG
16 370 1880 5.1
 
SEASON AFTER COVER
(2006-2007)
G ATT YDS AVG
10 252 896 3.6

When it was announced that Seattle's Shaun Alexander would be the cover athlete for Madden NFL 07, the Seahawks were coming off their best season ever -- not to mention a trip to the Super Bowl -- and Alexander was the league's reigning MVP. But three games into the following season, Alexander suffered a fracture in his left foot, forcing him to sit out six games.

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