This Weekend’s Chiefs vs. Texans Game: A Historic Broadcast
This weekend, the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans could influence who gets the top spot in the AFC. Notably, it will feature the first-ever EA Sports Madden NFL Cast. This special broadcast will be available exclusively on Peacock.
What Makes This Broadcast Unique?
While NBC will continue to air the traditional broadcast, Peacock’s version will blend elements from the Madden NFL video games into the live coverage. Expect to see Madden’s well-known passing routes and player ratings overlaid on the game, along with animations from Madden NFL 25. This unique broadcast is tailored for Madden fans, who might not usually watch football.
Fred Gaudelli, an executive producer from NBC Sports, explained, “There are millions of Madden fans, and we aim to cater to them by merging the video game with live football.”
When and Where to Watch
The EA Sports Madden NFL Cast will kick off on Saturday, December 21, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on Peacock. Paul Burmeister will handle the play-by-play commentary. Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert will add Madden graphic overlays to analyze potential plays, while former wide receiver Chad Johnson will adjust players’ Madden ratings in real time. Additionally, Ultimate Madden Bowl champion Henry Leverette will be involved in the production.
The Madden Legacy
John Madden, after whom the video game series is named, was a former NFL coach who became a famed broadcaster for major networks, including NBC. The influence of the Madden franchise is so strong that it reportedly affected a real-world decision: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson allegedly halted a trade for Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy due to dissatisfaction with Jeudy’s Madden player rating.
Recent Madden NFL Updates
EA recently updated Madden NFL 25 to include Saquon Barkley’s unique no-look spin hurdle, which can only be executed under certain conditions. In related news, Amazon’s Prime Video released “It’s in the Game,” a four-part documentary series exploring the history and development of the Madden NFL games. Furthermore, Nicolas Cage is set to portray John Madden in an upcoming biopic by writer and director David O. Russell.
