Josh Allen learned the game of football by playing Madden as a kid.
Now, the 27-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl QB appears on the cover of the wildly popular video game.
“To be able to grace the cover of Madden – I’m just happy to be able to be the first Bill to do it,” said Allen. “I’m blown away; words can’t do it justice.”
Recently, the standout signal-caller spoke with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon, and when asked about the possibility of Buffalo acquiring free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Allen again referenced the game.
“(It) would increase our Madden offensive rating probably quite a bit,” said Allen. “He’s a heck of a talent and a heck of a player. We’d love to have him.”
With the start of the season three months away, Salmon also asked Allen about other key storylines which will play out this season, including Aaron Rodgers competing for the division rival New York Jets.
Allen mentioned the similar backgrounds the two share, the fact they have a “good relationship” and heaped praise on the 39-year-old icon.
“He was one of my favorite players growing up,” said Allen. “I think he’s the most talented football player to play the game, the most exciting thrower of the football to play the game.”
The Bills QB was also candid when asked about what he’s looking to improve upon as they prepare for their first game of the season, ironically against Rodgers and the Jets on Sept. 11.
Allen said he is looking to get smarter with the football – perhaps limit turnovers, because he “felt we left quite a bit on the field last year.”
Hear Allen’s thoughts on Dalton Kincaid, what he took away from last year’s season-ending defeat to the Bengals, and more insight by watching the video above.