With a number of surprises in the NFL last season, none were greater those of Peyton Hillis and Michael Vick. While Vick revitalized his career in Philly after taking over the starting QB job for the injured Kevin Kolb, 2010 saw the breakout of Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. After a trade in the offseason that sent Hillis from Denver to Cleveland in exchange for Browns QB Brady Quinn, the league became well acquainted with the 240 lb. back who went on to rush for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 9. Due to his consistent production week after week, the former Arkansas Razorback became a fan favorite among fantasy owners as he went on to become the first white running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season since New England's Craig James in 1985.
In spite of his impressive numbers, Hillis was unable to single-handedly carry the team as the Browns lost the last 4 games of the season before finishing with an overall record of 5-11. However, his remarkable season resulted in a spot on EA Sports' bracket-styled 32-player tournament to potentially become the cover athlete of Madden 12. Voted on by the fans, Hillis ousted such players as Ray Rice, Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers before facing Vick in the finals. Though Vick's career season and positive attitude helped change a lot of peoples minds since his legal troubles, it didn't quite win everyone over as he went on to lose by nearly fifty percent of the votes (66% to 34%), which I would agree with considering Vick had already graced the cover of Madden back in '04 while a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
At midnight on April 27th, the cover was revealed on ESPN's SportsNation with both Vick and Hillis in the studio. As one of the most unlikeliest of players to land the cover of the most celebrated sports video game in history just a year ago, Hillis' rise in fame has been nothing short of a Cinderella story and couldn't have been awarded to a better player and or franchise. Though it may not seem like a big deal to some, for a team like the Browns that have been starving of recognition having reached the playoffs only twice in the last 20 years, this is easily the best thing to happen to the organization in recent memory. Not to mention the Dawg Pound finally has something worth cheering about. But while it gives the franchise a bit of much needed notoriety and hope, it also adds to the pressure and expectations of the 25 year old running back to prove he's not just a one-hit wonder.
Though it would be a bit premature to write him off as one of the game's elites, Hillis' strength and speed are just a few of the many intangibles that translate to what looks to be a Pro-Bowl caliber career. With the likes of QB Colt McCoy and WR Joshua Cribbs, the Browns have a core of young players on offense to compliment Hillis and have the potential to blossom into what they're hoping will be a reversal in fortunes given their recent struggles. Honestly, I remain uncertain on if and when the Browns will ever be a title contender so I'll pass on jumping on the bandwagon just yet, but I'm guessing we've only seen a glimpse of what's to come from Hillis. The Philadelphia Eagles on the other hand are probably a bit glad Vick won't be starring on the cover considering he won't be in line for any Madden curse this year. You can expect Madden 12 to hit shelves on August 30.
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