14 DAY TRIAL // Video game developer EA Sports and sports channel ESPN have announced that they are starting the process that will deliver the next athlete for the Madden NFL American football simulation.
Fans have until March 21 to cast their votes in the bracket that will then determine the 32 players who are able to battle for the cover spot.
The two companies have expanded the playing field this year and there are now 64 athletes in the running, with the initial match-ups posted below:
AFC
Ravens - Terrell Suggs vs. Ray Rice Jets - Mark Sanchez vs. Darrelle Revis Steelers - Troy Polamalu vs. Ben Roethlisberger Bills - Stevie Johnson vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick Browns - Joe Thomas vs. Joe Haden Dolphins - Reggie Bush vs. Brandon Marshall Bengals - Andy Dalton vs. AJ Green Patriots- Wes Welker vs. Rob Gronkowski Texans - Arian Foster vs. Andre Johnson Chargers Phillip - Rivers vs. Antonio Gates Colts - Dwight Freeney vs. Robert Mathis Broncos - Tim Tebow vs. Von Miller Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Blaine Gabbert Chiefs - Dwayne Bowe vs. Derrick Johnson Titans - Jake Locker vs. Chris Johnson Raiders - Sebastian Janikowski vs. Shane Lechler
NFC
Bears - Jay Cutler vs. Matt Forte Rams - Chris Long vs. Brandon Lloyd Lions - Calvin Johnson vs. Matt Stafford 49ers - Vernon Davis vs. Patrick Willis Vikings - Percy Harvin vs. Jared Allen Seahawks - Marshawn Lynch vs. Earl Thomas Packers - Aaron Rodgers vs. Clay Matthews Cardinals - Larry Fitzgerald vs. Patrick Peterson Falcons - Matt Ryan vs. Julio Jones Eagles - Michael Vick vs. LeSean McCoy Saints - Drew Brees vs. Jimmy Graham Giants - Victor Cruz vs. Jason Pierre-Paul Panthers - Cam Newton vs. Steve Smith Cowboys - Jason Witten vs. DeMarcus Ware Buccaneers - Josh Freeman vs. LeGarrett Blount Redskins - Brian Orakpo vs. Ryan Kerrigan
ESPN will launch a special program on March 21 to present the winning athletes and another bracket will be unveiled, with EA Sports expecting to see more than 13 million votes cast before a winner is chosen.