The videogames industry is full of secrets and mysteries, and unexplained happenings (like, who first thought Crazy Frog Racer was a good idea for a videogame), but one of the most interesting theories of recent times surrounds the so-called ‘Madden Curse’. It concerns the massively popular Madden NFL titles and suggests that the professional player who adorns the cover of the videogame for the duration of any given year will suffer a season cursed by poor performances and/or injury.

The game’s developer and publisher, Electronic Arts, has always steered clear from commenting on a situation that appears to have been blighting the fitness of players since 1999. However, yesterday the company spoke out to reassure fans of the Tennessee Titans that its most recent cover star, Vince Young, will be just fine. Joking to 1UP.com, EA Tiburon’s Director of Marketing, Chris Erb, said:

"We’re trying to go with a really young, healthy guy who’s not going to get hurt.” He went on to comment that, “The jinx thing bites us every year. I haven’t told this to people, but I’ve got a bottle of champagne in my office that we’re ready to pop once someone breaks the curse. And we’re hoping Vince has a tremendous year, and will be that guy, because that’s the best story for us.”

The Madden Curse has affected players including Eddie George, Michael Vick and, most recently, Shaun Alexander, with a whole range of injuries from broken bones to a season-ending hernia. Here’s wishing good health and success to Young in this year’s coming NFL season!