Peyton Hillis Believes in ‘Madden Curse’ After Injury-Plagued Season

Peyton Hillis didn't believe in the "Madden Curse" before this season started. He does now.

"Things haven't worked in my favor this year," Hillis admitted in an interview on NFL.com "There's a few things that happened this year that made me believe in curses. Ain't no doubt about that."

Hillis had a breakout season in 2010, rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry, but that didn't translate into a great 2011.

This year, after being named to the Madden cover via fan vote, he was sidelined by injuries and illnesses, forcing him to miss a large chunk of games. To make matters worse, Hillis' problems were compounded by ongoing contract drama that resulted in an "intervention" by his teammates.

He's only appeared in nine games this season and has acknowledged that this Sunday's matchup against the Steelers may be his last in a Browns uniform.