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Madden NFL 20 touts itself as being one of the most realistic sports games — and, for the most part, it delivers. I mean, sure, there are hilarious glitches and painful plays that make you shake your head, swear like a sailor and throw your controller through the wall, but that comes with the territory of playing a video game.
With the most recent version of the sports franchise hitting shelves soon, we’ve seen plenty of news about what to expect from Madden NFL 20. From NFL players being pissed off about their overall ratings, to insane details like Tom Brady left hanging on high-fives on the sidelines, the game tries to capture real life as best it can. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always deliver, though.
Case in point? Carolina Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen’s likeness.
Olsen, a three-time Pro Bowler and 12-year veteran, has a solid overall rating of 89 — which is just about accurate given his skills on the field and longevity in the league — but, damn, what in the hell are Madden NFL 20 designers thinking when it comes to the dude’s likeness? Seriously, take a look at the brown-haired, clean-cut, chin-strapped version of Greg Olsen that made its way into Madden this year.
the worst player likeness in Madden 20?
Greg Olsen. pic.twitter.com/LrjUGEVP1X
— James Brady (@jamesbradyisme) July 25, 2019
I’ve got no idea what the hell the people over at Madden NFL 20 are looking at, but that’s not Greg Olsen. In fact, maybe it’s just me, but it looks more like Blake Griffin in a Panthers uniform than anything else.
Naturally, once the Internet saw the piss-poor attempt at creating a digitalized version of Olsen, they had some thoughts. Here are some of the things Twitter had to say.
— Justin Mac 🇨🇦 (@RavensJmac) July 26, 2019
This isn’t even CLOSE
— 𝘛𝘉 🐐 (@TheBradySeven) July 26, 2019
@EAMaddenNFL the thing that baffles me is the last couple years they have these models of each player zoomed in as if they dont care how bad and inaccurate these players look its the same for all teams glad more people are pointing this lazy recycled crap out
— Nick Melillo (@CircleCity21) July 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/ahsankali/status/1154771556486266880?s=20
Looks exactly like him. 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/DWJ6l2tQHZ
— Browns22 (@browns2211) July 26, 2019
Have they even seen Greg Olsen before? My god that's bad
— JD (@MNGJD2) July 26, 2019
worst, of course, taking into account him being a bigger name and one of the higher-rated players on his team.
Delanie Walker (highest rated player on the Titans) gets a default player model, again, same as last year.
— James Brady (@jamesbradyisme) July 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/couldnotbme/status/1154488933503270912?s=20
Cam also looks like a bobblehead pic.twitter.com/Xrw9gvJq8E
— 1998 Toyota Avalon XL (canes szn arc) (@itsyaboylogann) July 26, 2019
This is honestly the most pathetic franchise in gaming history.
Solely propped up by people wasting money on MUT.
— 🤡 (@SF49ers3) July 25, 2019
Obviously, Madden NFL 20 can’t scan every single players’ face for the game — they just don’t have the bandwidth to be able to pull off such an operation. But, c’mon, at least try harder at making Greg Olsen resemble the real life version by giving him shaggier hair and, I don’t know, the right F’in hair color!
Olsen’s been in the league long enough that this probably doesn’t bother him at all. While he may not give a damn, not every player’s happy with the attempted likeness in Madden NFL 20, because Tyrell Williams of the Oakland Raiders made sure he called out the designers for how he looks.
Yo @EAMaddenNFL why y’all do this to me 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/IxvNva30BQ
— Tyrell Williams (@TyrellWilliams_) July 25, 2019
It’s all in good fun; I think? On the bright side, at least these guys are in a video game and don’t have to create themselves to be a 99 overall with a laser rocket arm and Ferrari-like speed — which is what the rest of us have to do.