When EA Sports unveiled Caleb Williams as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 27, the internet had plenty to say. But perhaps the most telling reaction came from the one person whose opinion matters most: his head coach.
Chicago Bears sideline boss Ben Johnson was asked Wednesday about Williams' new gig as the face of the franchise's latest installment. His response? Two words that said everything and nothing at once.
"No reaction," Johnson reportedly told reporters.
The deadpan delivery set social media ablaze. Fans immediately wondered if Johnson was channeling the infamous Madden Curse, which has haunted cover athletes for decades. Some joked that Johnson already knows his season is doomed.
"Cancel your playoff plans. Madden curse incoming plus the Bears have the league's hardest schedule," one X user declared.
"Even Ben Johnson is disappointed with the Madden cover choice," another chimed in.
"Dude knows the cover curse and he's fuming," a third added.
Behind the humor lies a real question: Does Johnson actually believe in the hex? The Madden Curse has a long history of striking down cover stars with injuries or poor performance the following season. But Williams might be the kind of player who can break it.
Last season, Williams led the Bears to an 11-6 record and their first playoff win in 15 years, a victory over the rival Green Bay Packers. He dramatically cut his sack rate from a league-leading 68 in 2024 to just 24 in 2025. While his accuracy dipped slightly, his touchdown rate soared, finishing with 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions.
Williams isn't quite in the elite QB tier yet, but he's knocking on the door. Whether the cover curse can keep him out remains to be seen. For now, Johnson is keeping his cards close to his chest — and his lips sealed.
The Bears faithful are already buzzing about fans fuming over the cover design, but Johnson's non-reaction might be the most memorable take of all.
