The NFL world received a notable announcement this week. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was unveiled as the cover athlete for Madden 27 on June 3. However, the decision has sparked debate, as some believe Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a better case for it.

Both Williams and Nix were drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams was selected 1st overall while Nix was picked 12th overall. Two years later, Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange believes that Nix should have featured for the Madden 27 cover.

“Williams is a more celebrity-forward name with more societal appeal, but in terms of on-field play, someone like Nix should have gotten the nod over Williams," he wrote.

Nix has a better quarterback record of 24-10 compared to Williams’ 16-18 record. At the same time, the Broncos quarterback has thrown for 7,706 yards with 54 touchdowns, compared to Williams' 7,483 yards and 47 touchdowns.

However, Nix has thrown 23 interceptions while Williams has only 13. It can also be argued that Williams has a slightly tougher division with the NFC North. Still, Nix was able to acquire the No.1 playoff seed in 2025.

Through the first two seasons of his career, Nix has faced quite a lot of doubt. However, Nix has continued to prove people wrong. He paced all rookies in completions, passing yards, touchdown throws, and total touchdowns throughout the regular season.

Even though a concrete criterion does not exist, award winners are given priority. In that case, Williams has been an exception since the Bears quarterback is the only quarterback to never be selected to a Pro Bowl who will be on the Madden 27 cover.

While Nix missed the chance to be on the Madden 27 cover, uncertainties loom about his return.

Broncos Legend Is Still Worried About Bo Nix

Nix is coming off his third injury on his right ankle. In April, he had to have a sudden clean-up procedure. Some fans are now concerned about Nix’s injury, and Broncos legend Mark Schlereth has also expressed his worry. 

Schlereth himself has undergone multiple surgeries, and he talked about Nix’s injury on The Stinkin’ Truth Podcast.

“I know they're downplaying the severity of the injury, and they say, ‘Oh,it was scheduled.’ No, it wasn’t,” said Schlereth. “You had a setback in your rehabilitation. So, that’s the thing that scares me.”

One factor contributing to the discussion was the Broncos' initial expectation that Nix would be ready for OTAs. When that timeline changed, it prompted additional questions about his recovery status.

It will be interesting to see when Nix can come back because if the Broncos want to contend for the Super Bowl, Nix’s health is going to be a big factor.

While a new update about Nix's return is yet to drop, what do you think of Williams gracing the Madden 27 cover? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Denver Broncos Community.

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar