Caleb Williams lands Madden NFL 27 cover

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has made franchise history after being selected as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ “Madden NFL 27.”

The announcement, made Wednesday morning, marks the first time a Bears player has appeared on the cover of the iconic football video game series.

Williams is featured performing a jump pass inspired by a memorable play from Chicago’s 31-27 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC wild-card round on Jan. 10. The cover also prominently showcases the Chicago skyline in the background.

“When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true,” Williams said, according to ESPN. “Being on the cover of ‘Madden NFL 27′ is a full-circle moment.

“I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be part of the game. I know fans are going to love what’s new in this year’s game, and I’m looking forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season.”

Williams later explained that the pose featured on the cover was inspired by one of Chicago’s most recognizable sports icons.

“That was the whole thing. I was like, everybody knows the Air Jordan, the sunrise of him doing his Air Jordan with the skyline behind him,” Williams said during an appearance on the “New Heights” podcast. “I was like, I want to recreate it, football, bring it back 30 years later, however many years later. We did that one, and this one obviously had to go in it. This had to go in it. This was a really cool photoshoot.”

The honor follows a standout season for the 24-year-old quarterback, who helped lead the Bears to their first division title since 2018.

Williams threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards while recording 27 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. The former Southern California star was selected first overall by Chicago in the 2024 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the league’s emerging stars.

EA Sports officials said Williams represents the future of both the Bears franchise and the sport itself.

“Caleb Williams is what a true face of the franchise looks like — the culmination of many moments in the Chicago Bears’ incredible history that has led them to their electric, generational quarterback,” said Evan Dexter, EA Sports’ vice president of franchise strategy and marketing.

“’Madden NFL 27′ aims to put more of those critical moments and key management decisions, with meaningful consequences that echo across the NFL, in the hands of our players so that they can build a league that’s truly their own. Just like Caleb, the future of football in ‘Madden NFL 27’ is thrilling and more dynamic than ever before.”

For the Bears organization, Williams’ selection as the face of one of the most recognizable sports video game franchises represents another milestone in what has become a rapidly rising career.