It started with John Madden himself gracing the cover 30 years ago.
It's certainly evolved since, with the former NFL coach and broadcasting icon giving way to current players, with New England Patriots QB Tom Brady set to grace the cover of the "G.O.A.T." edition on Aug. 25.
Want to re-live all the covers in once place? You're in luck, as the folks at sportsbettingexperts.com put this GIF together.
Madden NFL 2001 was the first time Madden himself wasn't on the cover, and it featured Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans. Here's a history of the other cover athletes.
Madden NFL 2002 -- Daunte Culpepper (Vikings)
Madden NFL 2003 --Marshall Faulk (Rams)
Madden NFL 2004 --Michael Vick (Falcons)
Madden NFL 2005 --Ray Lewis (Ravens)
Madden NFL 06 --Donovan McNabb (Eagles)
Madden NFL 07 -- Shaun Alexander (Seahawks)
Madden NFL 08 -- Vince Young (Titans)
Madden NFL 09 -- Brett Favre (Packers)
Madden NFL 10 -- Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald
Madden NFL 2011 -- Drew Brees (Saints)
Madden NFL 2012 -- Peyton Hillis (Browns)
Madden NFL 2013 -- Calvin Johnson (Lions)
Madden NFL 25 -- Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson
Madden NFL 2015 -- Richard Sherman (Sehawks)
Madden NFL 2016 -- Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
Madden NFL 2017 -- Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Madden NFL 2018 -- Brady