EA has extended an offer of $600 along with a complimentary copy of the forthcoming college football video game to about 11,000 players in exchange for the rights to use their names, images, and likenesses. A majority of over 10,000 players have accepted this compensation offer.
However, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has chosen not to accept the offer, as reported by Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods.com. According to Richardson’s sources, the decision stems from Manning’s singular focus on his performance on the football field.
While maintaining focus on the game is admirable, being featured in a video game typically does not detract from that dedication. Both of Manning’s uncles, Peyton and Eli, have been featured in various iterations of Madden NFL games without affecting their on-field performance.
Peyton Manning even appeared on the cover of NFL Fever, an Xbox game released in 2002.
It’s more plausible that Manning sought a higher compensation than the offered $600, and EA declined to meet his demands. Considering that Manning is not currently the starting quarterback for Texas, EA may not see his inclusion in the game as essential at this time.
However, if Manning ascends to the starting role in the future, EA will face an intriguing decision regarding his inclusion in the game and the value his prestigious family name could bring to it.
