Madden ’13 to Feature Tebowing

The Madden NFL line of video games is known for trying to be as realistic as possible.  Past versions have delivered gamers player injuries, touchdown dances, the ability to choose how brutal a tackle can be, and a franchise mode where the gamer can control aspects such as parking and concession prices.  Seldom has EA Sports, the producers of Madden, allowed a single person to greatly influence a game.  But, EA Sports recently announced that “Tebowing” will be a featured part of Madden ’13.

Michael Young, the game’s creative director recently tweeted “Tebowing is in for #madden13.”

Tebowing, the pose often struck by NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, became a cultural phenomenon that swept across the United States during the 2011-2012 NFL season when Tebow led the Denver Broncos to several dramatic, last-second wins on the way to a playoff berth. The legend only intensified when the Broncos defeated the heavily-favored Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, with Tebow launching an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime.

Although the Broncos lost to the New England Patriots in the next round, and Tebow was traded to the New York Jets after the season, Tebowing remained a subject of public interest, with social networking sites full of photos of people striking the famous pose in strange and exotic locations, such as the Pyramids of Giza.  It was also a subject of satire, being lampooned on television shows such as South Park.

It’s not yet known what role “Tebowing” will play in the game.  It may be just a simple animation, or it could be a user-initiated touchdown celebration.  But hardcore Madden fans are praying for the chance to finally act out a cultural phenomenon.