Monday, April 13, was the conclusion to the first ever Madden GOAT Sim Championship presented by Bleacher Report, a website that focuses on sports and sports culture.
Bleacher Report teamed up with EA Sports’ football video game, Madden NFL, to pit all 32 NFL teams against each other in bracket-style rounds. The rosters and format of games were announced on Sunday, March 29, in order to give sports fans something to watch and even bet on amid the nationwide sports shutdown.
Rosters were comprised of the best players who have ever played for each of the current NFL franchises. To prevent overlap of some big-name journeymen like Randy Moss, Aqib Talib and Randall Cunningham, the legends who spent time with multiple organizations throughout their careers were only allowed to be on one roster for the event. For example, in Bleacher Report’s simulation Randy Moss played for the Minnesota Vikings and not the New England Patriots.
Bleacher Report also held fan votes on Twitter to determine roster decisions for some teams, which led to the selection of Saquon Barkley over Tiki Barber for the New York Giants running back and Brett Favre over Aaron Rodgers for quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, as well as the decision that Deion Sanders would play for the Atlanta Falcons rather than the Dallas Cowboys in the simulations.
All of the games were simulated on Bleacher Report’s channel on the streaming platform Twitch from Monday, March 30, to Monday, April 13.
As for the Super Bowl matchup, it was a rematch of 1997’s Super Bowl XXXI. Adam Lefkoe, co-host of the Simms and Lefkoe podcast and video host for Bleacher Report, provided commentary throughout the broadcast.
Honestly, it felt like a real game. With everything from clock management, to penalties, to bets if Lefkoe would wear a black tie, or who would be the first player to be shown once the confetti were dispersed onto the field (video game confetti, that is).
Over 40,000 reoccurring viewers tuned in during the stream to watch the New England Patriots play the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots scored first, but it was a back and forth affair. Ahman Green scored two touchdowns after each Patriots score to put the Packers in a good position heading into the fourth quarter. With the Packers up 20-17 and under two minutes left, Brady got the ball back and was able to drive down the field to set Stephen Gostkowski up for a 52-yard field goal, sending the game into overtime. In OT, Brett Favre and the Packers started with the ball and got within the Patriots’ five-yard line in only two completions. Favre would end the debate with a short touchdown pass to Jace Sternberger to win the game.
While this was the first event like this, it likely won’t be the last. Fans were impressed by Bleacher Report and Madden’s efforts in setting up this simulation. This tournament let them forget about the things going on outside for a while and appreciate the sport they love.
Photo Courtesy of Bleacher Report
