CHICAGO -- Caleb Williams had an unshakeable premonition that his time with the Bears would take the franchise to heights it had rarely seen. He took a step toward that promise Wednesday when EA Sports announced he will be the cover athlete for "Madden NFL 27," the first player in Bears history to earn that distinction.
Williams enters the 2026 season with a 90 overall rating.
"When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true," Williams said. "Being on the cover of 'Madden NFL 27' is a full-circle moment.
"I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be part of the game. I know fans are going to love what's new in this year's game, and I'm looking forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season."
In his first season playing under Bears coach Ben Johnson, Williams threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns -- setting a franchise single-season passing record -- while leading Chicago to its first divisional title since 2018 and first playoff win in 15 years. In doing so, he emerged as one of the NFL's most exciting quarterbacks. He and the aptly named "Cardiac Bears" made history with their seven comeback wins, including playoffs, after trailing in the fourth quarter.
The Standard Edition cover features Williams' signature jump pass, remembered best by a fourth-and-8 throw to Rome Odunze as the Bears fought back from an 18-point deficit to beat the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, with the Chicago skyline in the background.
The 2025 NFL Moment of the Year -- Williams' 46-yard walk-off touchdown pass to DJ Moore to beat Green Bay in overtime in Week 16 -- will be represented on the Deluxe Edition in the form of Williams' "Iceman" celebration. Moments after Williams sailed a pass toward the end zone at the start of overtime, he calmly placed his hands inside his muff while he waited for Moore to come through on the receiving end. Williams then rubbed his biceps with his hands to warm up the proverbial ice in his veins.
"Caleb Williams is what a true face of the franchise looks like -- the culmination of many moments in the Chicago Bears' incredible history that has led them to their electric, generational quarterback," said Evan Dexter, EA Sports' vice president of franchise strategy and marketing. "Madden NFL 27 aims to put more of those critical moments and key management decisions, with meaningful consequences that echo across the NFL, in the hands of our players so that they can build a league that's truly their own. Just like Caleb, the future of football in 'Madden NFL 27' is thrilling and more dynamic than ever before."
"Madden NFL 27" is set for a full release on Aug. 13.
