Peyton Hillis selected as 'Madden NFL 12' cover athlete

By Hector Cortez Apr 29, 2011, 23:44 GMT

Peyton Hillis has been selected by fans to grace the cover of Madden NFL 12.

Electronic Arts announced today that Peyton Hillis, running back for the Cleveland Browns, was selected by millions of fans across the country to grace the cover of Madden NFL 12. Hillis, a No. 10 seed, defeated former Madden NFL 04 cover athlete and No. 3 seed Michael Vick (QB, Eagles) in the final voting round.

More than 12.7 million votes were logged overall in the campaign which ran from March 21 – April 27 through ESPNSportsNation.com and via mobile Web, the most ever for an ESPN poll or vote. Hillis defeated Vick by a final margin of 66% to 34%.

“This has been a humbling experience and I want to thank all the fans in Cleveland and throughout the country that got behind me and voted each and every week,” said Peyton Hillis, running back for the Cleveland Browns and the fourth running back to appear on the cover of the Madden NFL franchise. “I’ve been playing Madden NFL for ten years, and it’s a dream to know that I’ll be on the cover of this great game.  I’m looking forward to another big season with the Browns to show fans how much we appreciate them.”

Madden NFL 12 launches fall 2011 across all platforms.