Aaron Hernandez Removed From Madden 25

Nov 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) during the second half at Metlife Stadium. The Patriots won the game 49-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Former New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez has been completely removed from the popular video game Madden NFL 25.

“We made a decision to remove Aaron Hernandez from Madden NFL 25 and NCAA Football 14. Because NCAA Football 14 was finalized prior to our decision, Hernandez’ image still appears in the Nike Skills Trainer,” an EA Sports spokesperson said, via CBS Sports. “However, he is not in the game, and anyone who unlocks that particular Nike Skills Trainer reward will receive an Alex Smith Ultimate Team player item instead. The image of Hernandez will be removed via a Title Update in the near future.”

The Spin: In Madden, he would have been a free agent and would have been available for any team to pick him up. Why wouldn’t other teams pick him up off the waiver wire. I don’t think the artificial intelligence of the teams would take his personal activities into account.

Maybe Madden should start incorporating the activities of these players off of the field. Every now and then a trouble maker player could get tagged with a DUI or something. That might be a little overboard, but if they are trying to make the game as close to reality as possible, then you have to start taking these things into account.

I think it was a good idea to remove Hernandez from the game. I don’t see him playing in the NFL for a long time…. if ever again.