Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is well aware of the Madden curse -- which just added former Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis to the growing list of players who've endured disappointing years after gracing the cover of EA Sports' most famous video game -- but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to see his teammate on this year's cover.
Burleson told the Detroit Free Press on Tuesday) that he plans to vote for fellow wideout Calvin Johnson during the semifinal round of the Madden 2013 Cover Vote. Johnson faces Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the semis, while Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is squaring off against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.
"Of course, I would love to see my guy on the cover of Madden," Burleson told the Free Press. "I'm a big Madden fan. I do believe in the curse, but there's certain curses that can be erased with dollar signs, so we'll see what happens. I'm just keeping it real."
Johnson signed a record eight-year, $132-million contract after logging 96 receptions for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
"If any guy can break the curse it's Calvin," Burleson said. "This dude is a monster. He's strong enough to break tackles, he can break a curse."
