The verdict is in: Calvin Johnson will be the new face of Madden NFL 13, beating out Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton for the honor.  But is it really an impressive title to hold?  We all know Patriots fans emitted unanimous sighs of relief when tight end Rob Gronkowski was dropped from the competition, avoiding the infamous "Madden Curse" that have plagued so many others.

Just look at that smile.  Megatron has to have some inkling of what he's in for, right?  Just look at history: Peyton Hillis (complete debaucle of a season last year), Drew Brees (tossed twice as many interceptions his Madden year), Troy Polamalu (two consecutive injuries ended his 2009 season), and perhaps the most legendary season-ending injuries to Donovan McNabb in 2006.

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Larry Fitzgerald (in 2009, with Polamalu) is one of the few players to ever "break" the curse.  He started every game that season, as well as two playoff games for the Cardinals.  He had 97 catches for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns.  Not bad Larry, not bad.

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Last season, Johnson had 96 receptions for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Back in March, he signed one of the biggest contracts in sports history: an 8-year extension worth $132 million with a guaranteed $60 million.  Only time will tell if he can beat the curse.  For now, Detriot is holding its breath for the first game of the season.