EA SPORTS? announced that Ray Lewis, the All-Pro linebacker from the Baltimore Ravens and the NFL"s Defensive Player of the Year, has been selected to be the cover athlete and spokesman for Madden NFL 2005. Reflecting the game"s focus on defensive innovations this year, Lewis is the perfect representative for the cover of the best-selling football videogame franchise, which last year sold more than five million copies of Madden NFL 2004.
"I have always enjoyed working with EA SPORTS, but to be on the cover of Madden NFL 2005 is the ultimate honor," said Lewis. "With the focus on defense in the game this year, I knew it was my chance to represent the most popular sports game ever made. Madden NFL Football is the game I have always played, and I am excited to be part of the family now."
In its 15th year and nearly 37 million copies sold, Madden NFL Football continues to stand out as the most popular football videogame franchise of all time with a combination of innovative new features and the most authentic football gameplay. Madden NFL Football is currently displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- the only videogame to receive this honor. Madden NFL 2005, developed by EA-Tiburon, is slated to ship in August.