" If you go back to the history of the ‘Madden’ game, I was probably on the cover of it half the time. So if I was to believe there was a curse, I would also have to believe I’d been cursed. And I’ve never had that feeling. "
- John Madden

The statement refers to a well-known sports superstition in the NFL community, often called the "Madden Curse." This curse supposedly affects athletes who appear on the cover of the popular video game series "Madden NFL," predicting that their performance will decline or they might even suffer misfortune after being featured. John Madden, commenting on this belief, shares his personal experience with appearing frequently on the cover over the years and suggests that he hasn't felt cursed despite these appearances.

Beyond its literal interpretation, the quote also touches on the nature of superstitions in sports culture. It highlights how beliefs about curses can influence athletes' perceptions of their own success or failure. Madden’s statement challenges the validity of such superstitions by offering a counterexample based on his personal experience and career trajectory. He implies that focusing too much on these beliefs might be detrimental to an athlete's mental state, suggesting instead that performance is more tied to one's attitude and hard work rather than mystical factors.

The quote originates from John Madden, a legendary figure in American football. Known for both his success as a coach and broadcaster, Madden was also the driving force behind the "Madden NFL" video game series which bears his name. His career spans decades of involvement with the sport, and he is widely respected not only for his strategic acumen but also for his contributions to making football more accessible and enjoyable for fans through various media platforms.