Chargers News: Bolts Star Explains Decision To Reject Madden Cover Opportunity

Hall of Fame former then-San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson never appeared on the cover of a "Madden" video game throughout his storied pro career. But it wasn't for a lack of trying on the "Madden" decision makers' part.

During a new conversation on The Pivot podcast, Tomlinson explained his decision to ultimately reject the opportunity to appear on a cover:

“It was ‘07, yeah something like that,” Tomlinson said. “I felt like my value was higher than what they were asking me to do at the end of the day. And I've always turned down things that I didn't feel like valued who I am, who I was at the time. And so I wasn't going to sell out for Madden you know if I felt like they weren't giving me what I deserve. Especially all the stuff that they ask you to do, the shoots, all that stuff. To me it just wasn't worth it.”

When asked if he was at all motivated by the notion of a "Madden curse," wherein players who did adorn the cover of the game got injured.

“No I didn’t, I never believed in it,” Tomlinson admitted. “But you know it was weird that it kept happening right, it was weird that everybody that got on there, and people speculated that, oh that’s the reason why he turned it down, but nah it wasn’t.”

The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro was a menace on the field. He served with the Chargers from 2001-09, and wrapped up his career with the New Jersey Nets in 2010-11.