Getty Image / Jaime Crawford
It’s been a while since the last time the Madden series had some competition and many believe that’s why the games have been a bit watered down in recent years.
However, that’s all changing now, as a new arcade simulator is apparently on the way for release. But the cover athlete choice is a bit of a bold decision.
According to IGN, Colin Kaepernick will be the cover athlete for a new NFL game called Wild Card Football. It’s made by the same company that created NBA Playgrounds.
This new game will feature stars across the league. But rather than playing as set NFL teams like on Madden, you’ll be customizing rosters with players across the league to play seven-on-seven football.
If anything, we can probably compare Wild Card Football to something like the old NFL Street or NFL Blitz games. But in addition to the unique seven-on-seven style play, there will be “special Wild Cards granting powers like super strength and invisibility,” per IGN.
Colin Kaepernick released a statement about the upcoming game, as he’s excited to be a part of the project that could rival the Madden series. Here’s what he had to say.
“My love for football hasn’t changed even if the politics of specific organizations… is complex. It’s actually one of the things that I love about [Wild Card Football]. It’s player-driven. The teams are the players. For me it shifts the power dynamic of how you look at the teams, how you look at football.”
The former NFL quarterback also claims he enjoys the competition level of the game. He believes it gives him “a little taste of being back on the field and getting some of the competition until the door opens for me to be able to do that in reality,” via IGN.
All of that is fine and dandy. However, the fact that Colin Kaepernick is the cover athlete for Wild Card Football has sports fans at odds.
He’s been the center of controversy since 2016 when he began kneeling in protest to police brutality. Since then, he’s become a social activist with hopes of returning to the NFL one day.
Even so, many are confused why Wild Card Football didn’t choose a cover athlete that is currently playing in the league. Additionally, plenty of people would just rather have NFL Street return for sale.
There’s a game that won’t sell 😂
— Pete Libby 🇺🇸 (@RepublicPete76) June 29, 2023
Give the people what they want!
If it ain’t as good as NFL Streets then I’m not interested.
— xxKaseyKagamixx (@KagamiEXSSBFGC) June 29, 2023
Why don’t sports game developers treat us right?
We just want blitz or nfl street man 😆 https://t.co/aAl80G9sVO
— Young meat (@JesusImChrist) June 29, 2023
Either way, the game is set to be released on October 10. It will be available on both next-gen consoles, PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.