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Beckham Jr., Brown, Gronkowski, Peterson named Madden 16 cover finalists

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Odell Beckham Jr., Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski and Patrick Peterson were named as the four finalists for the Madden 16 cover. 

It may be an unwanted designation, as evidence of the Madden 'cover curse' still exists. Last year's feature star Richard Sherman was part of a Seattle Seahawks team that lost Super Bowl XLIX in agonizing fashion to the New England Patriots

Beckham Jr. took the league by storm in his rookie campaign, recording one of the greatest catches in league history in a regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 23. The New York Giants' rookie sensation ended the year with 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. 

Brown emerged as arguably the league's best receiver, amassing a league-high 129 catches for 1,698 yards, adding 13 touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers' star was named as a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. 

Gronkowski was a unanimous selection to the first-team All-Pro team at tight end, recording 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Patriots' star was integral in capturing the Super Bowl, scoring three touchdowns in the playoffs.

Peterson signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals prior to the 2014 season. However, the 24-year-old struggled throughout the year and was outperformed by his cornerback partner Antonio Cromartie, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency.

The finalist who will feature on the cover of the NFL video game will be announced May 13.

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