Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Lions running back Barry Sanders has a big announcement for Madden players

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Mike Payton | Last updated 4/30/24

If you're a Detroit Lions fan or a football fan in general and you like to play Madden, then this one concerns you. Former Lions legend and NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders has decided that he will n longer allow his likeness to be used on the popular EA Sports video game.

Hey @EASPORTS_MUT @EASPORTS @EAMaddenNFL gamers & fans.... Breaking News.

I have decided after many years to discontinue my relationship with the brand & the products.

I apologize for those that were expecting me in the games.

I leave you with #CyberBarry @Lions @NFL @NFLPA pic.twitter.com/w6mav1nILY
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 30, 2024

Sanders gave no reason for wanting to discontinue his relationship with EA Sports, but what's done is done. You'll no longer be able to play as Sanders on the games.

Sanders is not the first athlete or personality to take their likeness out of video games. Michael Jordan didn't allow his likeness to be used for his entire NBA career outside of one NBA video game and that was Jordan vs Bird.

Patriots coaching legend Bill Belichick never allowed his likeness to be used to on any video game. That's why the Patriots coach has always been some computer generated guy.

New Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has yet to sign his NFLPA licensing agreement that would allow, among other things, Madden to use his likeness in their video game.

Perhaps we're at the start of a new era with licensing and video games. Either that or it's just a few guys that want sole control of their name and likeness.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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