It’s a sad day for fans of the Madden franchise.
Fans of Madden Ultimate Team may be disappointed to hear that one of their favorite players, Barry Sanders, has decided to withdraw his name and likeness from the EA Sports video game. The Detroit Lions legend made the announcement via a social media post on Tuesday.
Sanders did not provide specific reasons for his decision to pull his license. The Hall of Fame running back has had a longstanding partnership with EA Sports, even gracing the cover of Madden for its 25th anniversary edition in 2013.
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This decision suggests that Sanders might also be absent from the roster in the upcoming EA Sports College Football game. Details about the revived game series are still emerging, but it is expected to feature an Ultimate Team mode that includes past players.
Ultimate Team mode, where players create a team from a mix of current stars, legends, and celebrities, has become a significant revenue stream for EA Sports, reportedly generating over $1 billion annually.
Sanders has been particularly popular in the game, famed for his cards that often boast a 99 speed rating and superior juke and spin moves.
