EA Sports has been very slowly releasing potential Madden 13 cover boys that will be taking part in a fan-voted contest. They have been picking two from each team, and today revealed the Detroit Lions players: Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.

No surprises here for Lions fans. Stafford and Johnson had monster seasons. However, only one of them will be selected to enter the 32-player tournament to decide who will be on the Madden 13 cover. Who will represent the Lions? I would have to guess Megatron. Voting begins March 7.

As cool as it would be to have a Lion on the cover, there's the whole "Madden curse" to worry about, if you believe that sort of thing. Peyton Hillis was on Madden 12 and missed games due to injuries last season. Drew Brees was on Madden 11 and threw 22 interceptions in 2010. The Saints also lost to the lowly 7-9 Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs. Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu shared the Madden 10 cover. While Polamalu suffered injuries throughout the year, Fitzgerald had a career high in touchdowns. Overall, being on the cover has not been favorable to athletes.

It's fun to joke about, but I'll chalk up the "Madden curse" to horrible coincidences. So let's get a Lion on the cover, shall we?

Get even tinier random thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921