Can Rob Gronkowski Avoid The ‘Madden Curse’ After Landing 2017 Cover?

New England Patriots fans probably have some mixed emotions about Rob Gronkowski landing on the cover of “Madden NFL 17.”

On one hand, Gronkowski is a very deserving candidate and is the first Patriots player to make the cover. It’s a unique type of recognition that the relatively quiet Patriots organization doesn’t frequently get off the field and certainly will be a point of pride for New England fans across the globe.

Of course, with the Madden cover comes the infamous “Madden Curse,” which, given Gronkowski’s injury history, has the potential to keeps fans up at night worried.

But the three-time First-Team All-Pro might finally have karma on his side. After years of injuries to his ankles, knees, back and forearm, Gronk seems to be on the heading in the right direction, and the 6-foot-7 behemoth said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” that he isn’t concerned with the curse.

Based on recent history, he might not have reason to be anyway. The last four cover athletes — Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman and Odell Beckham Jr. — all enjoyed excellent seasons following their appearances with the video game franchise.

But the best way to defeat history is to learn it, so we decided to take a stroll down memory lane and look at the worst outcomes for “Madden” cover athletes. Check them out through the link below.