You've spent hours grinding your build. Your QB has the perfect release, or maybe your linebacker is a heat-seeking missile with 90+ speed. Then you hit the NFL Combine in Madden 25 and everything comes to a screeching halt because a scout wants to know who the hell was on the cover of Madden 07.
It feels random. Honestly, it’s kind of annoying when you just want to get drafted by the Cowboys or the Niners. But here’s the thing: those madden 25 superstar interview answers are the difference between going in the top ten or sliding into the late second round.
If you tank the interview, your draft stock takes a nosedive. It doesn't matter if you ran a 4.22 forty. NFL teams in Superstar Mode care about "Football IQ," which in EA's world means knowing deep-cut trivia about John Madden’s favorite Thanksgiving poultry.
The Trivia Trap: Every Correct Answer for the Combine
The interview is a timed gauntlet of 10 questions. You can't pause to Google them without the timer ticking down, and if you miss more than a couple, you can kiss that #1 overall pick goodbye.
Most of these are recycled from previous years, but there are a few new ones tucked in there about the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Madden History and Cover Stars
- Madden 07 Cover Athlete: Shaun Alexander (He won the MVP in 2005).
- Madden 08 Cover Athlete: Vince Young (Rookie of the Year 2006).
- Madden 10 Shared Cover: Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu.
- Madden 12 Cover: Peyton Hillis (He beat out Michael Vick in the fan vote).
- Madden 15 Cover: Richard Sherman (The Legion of Boom era).
- Madden 21 Raven: Ray Lewis is the only other Baltimore Raven to be on the cover besides Lamar Jackson.
- First solo cover without Coach Madden: Eddie George (Madden 2000).
- Teammates on consecutive covers: Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady.
- Barry Sanders: He beat out Adrian Peterson for the Madden 25 (2013) anniversary cover.
Basic Rules and Terminology
- RPO: Stands for Run Pass Option.
- 11 Personnel: 3 WRs, 1 RB, 1 TE.
- 12 Personnel: 2 WRs, 1 RB, 2 TEs.
- Nickel Defense: 5 defensive backs on the field.
- Dime Defense: 6 defensive backs on the field.
- Touchback Yard Line: 25-yard line (following a kickoff).
- Illegal Contact: Occurs beyond 5 yards.
- Offensive Linemen: At least 7 players must be on the line of scrimmage.
- Roughing the Passer: 15-yard penalty.
- Challenges: A team starts with 2; the max they can have is 3.
NFL History and "Maddenisms"
- John Madden's Thanksgiving Dish: Turducken. Obviously.
- John Madden's Team: The Raiders (his first Super Bowl win).
- All-Madden: The name of the team John Madden put together for "gritty" players.
- Telestrator: The broadcast feature John Madden popularized.
- The Immaculate Reception: Franco Harris (Steelers legend).
- The Frozen Tundra: The Green Bay Packers (Lambeau Field).
- The Tush Push: The Philadelphia Eagles.
- 70 Points in a Game (2023): The Miami Dolphins.
- First #2 Seed to lose in Wild Card: Dallas Cowboys (happened against Green Bay).
Why Your Character's "Vibe" Actually Matters
It isn't just about trivia. Some versions of the Superstar interview involve personality questions where you have to choose how you'll lead.
Scouts are looking for specific traits based on your position. If you’re a QB, don’t be a diva. If the coach calls a play you hate, the "correct" answer is almost always to trust the coach and execute. Being a "Humble Leader" gives you the biggest draft stock boost across the board.
If you choose the "Selfish Star" route—basically saying you want the ball every time regardless of the situation—your stock will drop. Some teams might still want you if your physical stats are insane, but you’ll find yourself falling past the big-name franchises.
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Draft Math: The Weird Number Questions
Sometimes they throw math at you. It’s usually basic addition based on jersey numbers or game points. Here are the ones that trip people up:
- Safety (2) + Playoff Teams (14): The answer is 16.
- Touchdown (6) + 2pt Conversion (2) + 2 Field Goals (6): The answer is 14.
- Chad Johnson Number (85) + Bengals Super Bowl Wins (0): The answer is 85.
- 72 Dolphins Losses (0) + Tom Brady Super Bowl Wins (7): The answer is 7.
Does the Interview Really Change Your Stats?
This is a huge point of contention in the Madden community. Does the interview make you faster?
Short answer: No.
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Long answer: It affects your starting OVR through Skill Points and your Draft Position.
If you get 10/10 on the interview and "Elite" grades on your physical drills, you’re almost guaranteed to be a Top 10 pick. This matters because higher draft picks get more "Cred" and better initial contracts, which lets you buy better gear and boosts earlier in the game.
If you're importing a player from College Football 25, the interview is even more critical. Since your physical ratings are somewhat capped by your archetype, those "mental" points from the interview are the easiest way to jump-start your progression.
Pro Tips for the Superstar Combine
- Don't Second Guess: The timer is short. Usually around 10-15 seconds per question. If you don't know it, guess "7" or "Red" (common answers for yardage/flags).
- The "Omaha" Question: If it asks what city Peyton Manning used as an audible, it's Omaha.
- Super Bowl Locations: Miami has hosted the most (11). Chicago has never hosted one.
- The Panthers: They would have had the #1 pick in 2024 if they hadn't traded it for Bryce Young.
The interview feels like a chore, but it's the fastest way to ensure you aren't playing for a team with a terrible offensive line for the first three years of your career.
Next Steps for Your Superstar Career:
- Screenshot the trivia lists: Keep them open on your phone while the interview starts.
- Aim for 11 Personnel knowledge: Understanding personnel packages helps not just in the quiz, but in reading defenses during actual games.
- Prioritize the "Humble Leader" path: Unless you specifically want to play for a "rebuilding" team that doesn't care about locker room chemistry, play it safe with your personality choices.
By hitting at least 8 out of 10 correct, you'll secure enough scout "Trust" to keep your draft stock in the green, regardless of how many times you accidentally tripped during the 20-yard shuttle.