Shawne Merriman to be NFL Cover Athlete

Electronic Arts has announced that Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers was elected as the cover athlete for NFL Tour through an open online voting process. For the first time ever, EA Sports put the decision of who would be the face of a game in the hands of fans. After three weeks of voting, Merriman received the most votes out of fellow nominees Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins, and Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts. NFL Tour is a new NFL and PLAYERS INC licensed video game that offers players an accessible, fun and engaging experience with the NFL and its talented players.

Shawne Merriman’s performance on the football field matches well with the fast paced action in NFL Tour. Merriman is a two-time Pro Bowler starter and his 17 sacks last season led the league. In 2005, this first round draft pick from the University of Maryland was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, leading his team and all NFL rookies with 10 sacks.

NFL Tour is an authentic yet uncomplicated arcade-style football game that features a responsive gameplay system and easy-to-use game controls. Appealing to both NFL fans and gamers, NFL Tour allows players at any skill level to storm the field and play competitively from the start. With real NFL players as teammates, players travel across the country to play against each of the NFL teams in newly designed stadiums. As players defeat each of the NFL squads, they come one step closer to winning a NFL contract.

NFL Tour is an action-packed sports game with an emphasis on individual player control. For the first time in a football video game, gamers will have Total Collision Control, a dynamic gameplay feature that allows players to have complete control of the action when offensive and defensive players collide. With Total Collision Control, players can use well-timed button commands to deliver a run stopping tackle, or to break away from one. This new level of control gives gamers more options and power to effect the outcome on the field.

Developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon, NFL Tour will be available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is scheduled for release in January.