Madden Day is still one of my favorite times of the year, even though I’m thirty years-old (shh…don’t tell anyone). The suspense leading up to it is pretty fun as well, and this year EA has decided to release the nine finalists competing for the right to get injured next season….er, get the cover. Here’s who they’re deciding between. From SBD via EA Sports….

EA Sports has announced the nine finalists to appear on the cover of the “Madden NFL 10” videogame, with the cover athlete to be announced Friday. The finalists are Steelers S Troy Polamalu, Colts QB Peyton Manning, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson and Ravens S Ed Reed

Matt Cassell?!?! Seriously??? Ummm….okay….sure. Other than that, the rest of the candidates seem worthy enough. It would be cool to see someone like Polamalu or Reed get it, because I think the last defensive player on the cover was Ray Lewis. The cover athlete for Madden ’10 will be announced on Friday.

EA Narrows Possible Cover Athletes To Nine (Sports Business Daily – $)