In an exciting turn of events, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey has not only secured a lucrative contract extension but has now been announced as the latest cover star of the iconic Madden NFL video game series. EA Sports revealed on Tuesday that McCaffrey will grace the cover of Madden 25.

The two-year contract extension comes with a staggering average annual value of $19 million, solidifying McCaffrey's position as one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. This achievement further cements his status as one of the premier players in the National Football League.

McCaffrey's selection as the Madden 25 cover athlete marks a significant milestone for him and the San Francisco 49ers franchise. He becomes the first running back to grace the cover since Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders appeared separately in 2014. Additionally, McCaffrey is the first 49ers player to be featured on the worldwide cover of the game, with Garrison Hearst previously gracing the international edition in 1999.

Expressing his gratitude, McCaffrey said, "To be on the cover of Madden NFL is a career achievement and an honor I share with all of my teammates, coaches, and 49er Faithful who have helped make it possible." He further added, "I'm pumped to get back on the field this year to give Madden players more reasons to keep scoring touchdowns with me in Madden NFL 25."

The announcement of McCaffrey's Madden cover athlete status comes as no surprise, given his impressive performances on the field. As the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, he has been a driving force for the 49ers, propelling them to a Super Bowl appearance and earning recognition as one of the league's most dominant individual talents.

McCaffrey's selection is in line with recent cover athletes, which included reigning MVP Lamar Jackson for Madden 21 and Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes for Madden 20, both highly esteemed players in the league. Notably, Mahomes appeared on the cover alongside the legendary Tom Brady for Madden 22.

All eyes are now eagerly awaiting the release of Madden NFL 25, set for August 16, 2024. As fans gear up to pre-order the game, McCaffrey's presence on the cover promises an immersive experience, inviting players to score touchdowns with him in virtual football matches.

With his new contract extension and now the honor of being the Madden NFL 25 cover athlete, Christian McCaffrey's star continues to rise. As the football world eagerly waits for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to witnessing McCaffrey's electrifying performances both on the real field and in the virtual world of Madden.