Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams picked for Madden NFL 27 cover

June 3 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be the cover star of Madden NFL 27, video game publisher Electronic Arts announced Wednesday. Williams is the first Bears player to receive the honor.

Madden NFL 27 will launch worldwide Aug. 13. The standard edition will feature a photo of Williams throwing his signature jump pass. The deluxe edition will portray Williams doing his "Iceman" celebration.

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"When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true," Williams said in a news release. "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."

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, completed 58.1% of his throws for a Bears franchise-record 3,942 passing yards, 27 scores and seven interceptions over 17 starts last season.

The Bears, who were 5-12 during Williams' rookie campaign, were 11-6 in 2025-26 en route to just their third playoff appearance since 2010-11. They won their first NFC North division title since 2018.

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Williams enters the 2026 season with a 90 overall rating -- out of a possible 99 -- on Madden NFL 27. A full game reveal will launch at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday on YouTube.

"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, a vice president of franchise strategy and marketing at Electronic Arts.

"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."

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Hall of Fame coach John Madden, who died in 2021, were among other recent cover images.