Madden NFL’s Greatest Legends: Honoring Football Icons
The Madden NFL series has become an integral part of the American Football landscape, with its annual releases highlighting and honoring some of the greatest icons of the sport. As this year’s installment has been released, we’re looking back at some of the most historic figures to ever grace the field.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Tom Brady may not be the most talented quarterback of all-time but he is certainly the most decorated first and foremost. With six championship trophies on his mantle, and the most successful post-season runs in the history of the game, the Super Bowl MVP earning quarterback is the man people think of when it comes to winning football.
Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, Brady stands as one of the most iconic players in football history. Both on and off the field, he’s risen to legendary status in the sport – and earned a spot in the Madden NFL Hall of Fame.
Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions
Barry Sanders was one of the most thrilling players to ever take the field. His speed and agility were unparalleled, and he was an absolutely spectacular running back. Sanders was initially passed over in the 1989 NFL Draft but proved the doubters wrong, going on to have one of the most electrifying careers in the game.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy averaged an amazing 5.0 yards per carry and his feats on the field have yet to be matched. Sanders was the NFL MVP in 1997 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Jackie Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
Jackie Robinson was also an NFL athlete, as he spent one season as a running back with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. He then went on to become a monumental figure in baseball, breaking the color line barrier and becoming the first African American to join the Major Leagues. Robinson was known for more than just his athletic ability, he was also an outspoken advocate for civil rights.
This year, in honor of Robinson’s legacy, the NFL introduced the Jackie Robinson Foundation to continue his work. It aims to provide more opportunities for youth of diverse backgrounds to attend college and pursue their dreams.
Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
Randy Moss is one of the most dynamic receivers in NFL history, spending time with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans throughout his career. He was known for his ability to make the incredibly spectacular catches and was named to the Pro Bowl six times throughout his time in the NFL.
Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and his number 84 jersey was retired by the Vikings in 2020, in honor of his exceptional career.
These four greats have all earned a place in the Madden NFL Hall of Fame. Their legacies will never be forgotten and their names will forever remain amongst some of the greatest football players in history.
