A new article at ESPN Gamer explains how a professional athelete should never, ever, appear on the cover of a video game, especially the Madden series.

The latest victim was Michael Vick, who broke his leg during an exhibition game this weekend. Vick is on the cover of Madden 2004, which was released at the beginning of the week. The jinx was clearly in effect.

My favorite one was the last one they listed:

NCAA Football 2004

Coverboy: USC quarterback Carson Palmer
Pre-Cover: Won Heisman Trophy; helped restore USC's faded football glory.
Post-Cover: Selected No. 1 in the NFL Draft. By the Cincinnati Bengals.