Steelers' TJ Watt A Big Time Candidate For Cover Of Madden 24

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not had a player on the cover of EA Sports' Madden since Antonio Brown was on the cover of Madden 19, and seeing how that turned out afterwards, fans might question whether or not they want to see another player touting the black and gold on a Madden cover ever again. Before Brown, Troy Polamalu graced the cover of Madden 10 accompanied by Arizona Cardinals' receiver Larry Fitzgerald following Super Bowl 43. 

Every offseason around the start of summer, the world begins to speculate who will be on the cover of the newest Madden. GameSpot predicted the next version to have Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, the Kelce brothers or Aaron Rodgers appearing on the cover of Madden 24. Unfortunately, no Steelers' players made the list, but let's take a look at the best potential candidates from the Steelers to star on the cover.

Steelers' Cover Candidate #1: TJ Watt

TJ Watt has been a menace coming off the edge for the Steelers' ever since he was drafted in 2017. In 2021, he received the NFL's AP Defensive Player Of The Year award after a year where Watt tied Michael Strahan's record for most sacks in a single season with 22.5. Watt arguably should have won the same award both of the two season prior, but lost to Stephon Gilmore and then Aaron Donald. 

Watt is coming off of a 2022 season where he missed seven games and part of an eighth due to pectoral and knee injuries, yet he still managed to make the Pro Bowl and help the team win multiple games. He finished the year with eight tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 12 quarterback hits in just 10 games. 

These stats are better than most edge rushers' entire 17-game season and they don't even tell the whole story. The Steelers' defense plays better with Watt on the field and he draws a lot of attention from the offense which allows other Steelers' defenders to shine. Watt is gearing up for a healthy season in 2023, and he is going to make an impact. Back to full strength, there is no telling what he will do this season and that alone should make Watt a potential cover athlete for Madden. 

Steelers' Cover Candidate #2: Najee Harris

Najee Harris has been nothing but productive since he entered the league in 2021. Harris has eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons, along with being a crucial part of the Steelers' passing game. He has tallied 20 total touchdowns in just two seasons. He has been effective and consistent even though he has been running behind a below average offensive line ever since he entered the league. 

Pittsburgh has made many moves in free agency to improve their offensive line in 2023. The organization has signed guard Isaac Seumulo, who is expected to start immediately and brought in Nate Herbig for some added depth. The Steelers also used their first round pick to draft one of the best tackle prospects in Broderick Jones, and selected guard Spencer Anderson out of Maryland in the seventh round. With an improved offensive line, Harris can be expected to take leaps forward and is poised to record career highs in the rushing categories. 

In addition to all of this, Harris is also a human highlight reel. Whether its scoring game winning touchdowns, ground breaking stiff arms, or leaping over defenders, Harris can be counted on to make plays. This all qualifies Harris to be able to star on the cover of Madden 24. 

Steelers Cover Athlete #3: Patrick Peterson And Joey Porter Jr. 

Patrick Peterson is a future Hall of Fame player who the Steelers signed to a two-year contract back in March who has already been reported to be mentoring Steelers' rookie, Joey Porter Jr. These two players have made the Steelers' cornerback room better than years past. They bring excitement to fans who have been waiting to have cornerbacks the team could rely on. 

They are expected to make life difficult for opposing teams' wide receivers and paired with the Steelers' elite pass rush, this veteran and rookie duo can be expected to have a big year.

These are the strongest Steelers' candidates to grace the cover of Madden 24. Others who could be considered are Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and George Pickens. 

What do you think Steeler Nation? What are the chances one of these candidates end up on the Madden cover? Let us know in the comments below!

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