Which Football Game Was Terrell Davis on the Cover Of?

By Sarah Miller · June 21, 2042

Terrell Davis was on the cover of Madden NFL 99, released in August 1998. This edition of the iconic football video game featured the Denver Broncos running back at the peak of his career, shortly after leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXII and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. His explosive performance and national prominence made him the ideal choice for the cover, marking a significant moment in both sports gaming and NFL history.

Who Is Terrell Davis?

Terrell Davis is one of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history. Despite a relatively short career due to injuries, his impact on the game was profound. He played his entire professional career with the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2001.

Rise to Stardom

Drafted in the 6th round (196th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft
Burst onto the scene during the 1996 season with over 1,100 rushing yards
Had a breakout 1997 season, rushing for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns
Named NFL MVP in 1998 after leading the league in rushing touchdowns

Legacy and Achievements

3× Pro Bowl selection (1997–1999)
2× First-team All-Pro (1997, 1998)
Super Bowl XXXII champion and MVP
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017
Holds Broncos franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a season (15 in 1998)

The Significance of Madden NFL 99

Madden NFL 99 was released on August 18, 1998, for multiple platforms including PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC. It was the tenth installment in the Madden NFL series and marked a turning point in realism and gameplay mechanics.

Why Terrell Davis Was Chosen

Fresh off a Super Bowl XXXII win and MVP performance
Coming off a dominant 1997 season statistically
Represented a new generation of dynamic, game-changing running backs
Appealed to fans as an underdog story—late draft pick turned superstar

Game Features and Innovations

Introduction of "Franchise Mode," allowing multi-season team management
Enhanced AI for more realistic defensive behavior
Inclusion of real player ratings and updated rosters
Improved graphics and commentary compared to prior editions

Year	Madden Cover Athlete	Team	Notable Achievement(s) That Year
1998	Terrell Davis	Denver Broncos	Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP (1998), 2,000-yard scrimmage season
1999	Dan Marino	Miami Dolphins	Final season; retired after 17 years, all with Dolphins
2000	Barry Sanders	Detroit Lions	Retired abruptly mid-contract; Hall of Fame induction (2004)
2001	Kurt Warner	St. Louis Rams	Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, NFL MVP (1999)
2002	Marshall Faulk	St. Louis Rams	NFL MVP (2000), Offensive Player of the Year (2001)

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights how EA Sports selected athletes who were either at the peak of their careers or had recently achieved legendary status. Terrell Davis stands out as one of the few players chosen immediately following a Super Bowl MVP performance. His inclusion reflects the emphasis on current dominance and narrative appeal in selecting cover athletes.

Terrell Davis’ Career Stats and Impact

Though his career lasted only seven seasons, Davis compiled impressive statistics in a short time. His peak three-year stretch (1996–1998) ranks among the best in NFL history for a running back.

Total Rushing Yards: 7,607
Rushing Touchdowns: 60
Yards Per Carry: 4.5
Pro Bowls: 3
Super Bowl Wins: 1 (XXXII, XXXIII)

Davis missed most of the 1999 season due to a knee injury and never fully regained his form, retiring in 2001. Nevertheless, his legacy endures through his Hall of Fame induction and cultural impact—especially via Madden NFL 99.

Frequently Asked Questions About Terrell Davis and Madden NFL 99

What year was Terrell Davis on the cover of Madden?

Terrell Davis appeared on the cover of Madden NFL 99, which was released in August 1998.

Did Terrell Davis win a Super Bowl?

Yes, Terrell Davis won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos: Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXII after rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

Why did Terrell Davis retire so early?

Terrell Davis retired early due to recurring knee injuries. He suffered a severe migraine and knee issue during Super Bowl XXXIII and missed nearly the entire 1999 season. Multiple surgeries and failed comebacks led to his retirement in 2001.

Is Terrell Davis in the Hall of Fame?

Yes, Terrell Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, recognizing his outstanding peak performance and contributions to the Denver Broncos' success in the late 1990s.