Selecting a hot player from the previous year has been EA's formula for marketing Madden NFL games via the cover art. Never before has an officially retired player been selected. Until now.

EA has chosen none other than Brett Favre to grace the cover of Madden NFL 09 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and other gaming platforms. As you recall, Favre hung up his cleats after losing in the playoffs last year following a remarkable and unexpected successful season.

"Madden NFL Football and Brett Favre are sports icons who have set the standard and revolutionalized their positions within their respective genres," said Madden NFL Executive Producer Dale Jackson. "Brett Favre is a perfect fit for the Madden NFL 09 cover, as he epitomizes everything the franchise has stood for the past 20 years - longevity, excellence, and a love of football."

The reasoning behind the move makes sense, but is this a smart move considering everyone will have forgotten about Favre once the season kicks off? Only time will tell.

For now, check out three new screenshots of Favre as plucked from Madden NFL 09. Look for the game to hit stores on August 12.