Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, announced on social media that he was ending his relationship with EA Sports. In his post, Sanders tagged Madden Ultimate Team, EA Sports, Detroit Lions, NFL, NFL Players Association, and EA Madden NFL X handles to inform fans that his likeness will no longer be included in Ultimate Team in Madden or the upcoming EA College Football 25 titles. Sanders’ cards are usually the most popular and effective at the running back position in Ultimate Team, as he is the fourth all-time leading rusher in NFL history, adding nostalgic value to the game.
While Sanders’ exit may have a significant impact on Ultimate Team, especially for franchise-mode players, EA Sports should be able to absorb this loss without too much of a struggle. The game’s nature allows for the creation of powerful player cards that can fill the void left by Sanders’ absence. Moreover, a portion of the fanbase may not have a strong memory of Sanders as a player, making his departure potentially insignificant for them. If an equally strong card is introduced in his place, the absence of Sanders may not pose a major problem for EA’s American football games.
Sanders’ Oklahoma State cards, which could have had a similar impact on the upcoming EA College Football game, were not included in his announcement. In the past, Sanders had appeared in the Heisman Challenge feature in NCAA Football 13 and 14, showcasing his prowess as a college football player. EA Sports has the ability to create versions of any player, regardless of position, to function similarly to Sanders’ cards in the game. The absence of Sanders may have a greater impact on Ultimate Team, where power is the biggest driving force, than on franchise-mode players, as the game has its legends locked in Ultimate Team.
While it would be ideal if EA Sports allowed legends to exist outside of Ultimate Team, the current situation has potentially worked out in their favor. If an agreement can be reached between EA and Sanders to keep him in the game, it could be beneficial for both parties. Despite Sanders’ departure, EA Sports may be able to introduce new powerful player cards that can fill the gap left by the absence of a legend like Sanders. The impact of Sanders’ decision to end his relationship with EA Sports may not be significant for all fans, but it highlights the importance of player likeness and nostalgia in sports video games.
