Could the cover have cursed the man, too? No. Although it's difficult to evaluate the character of a Mut 25 coins player who is primarily an returner, Hall still had three excellent years as a returner. He also got greater involvement in offensive play, too. His final season was in the year 2008.
Peyton Manning's name will to keep popping up on this list. Manning was supposed to be the only person I selectively saved up until winning the Super Bowl, but that's cheating. The most well-known names are Corey Dillon, LaDainian Tomlinson, Rudi Johnson, Javon Walker, Reggie Wayne and Tony Gonzalez.
Manning's 2004 season was his most successful to that date and could be the second best year in his professional career. Manning had the most touchdowns of any other player and was the third highest in total passing yards. His passer's score was 11 points higher than everyone else. He had just won back-to-back MVP awards.
Could the cover have cursed the guy? Absolutely not. He'd be named first-team All-Pro and then be the winner of the Super Bowl the next year. He would then be awarded three MVPs, as well as another Super Bowl.
Shaun Alexander was the best option as Shaun Alexander was the league's leader in rushing, and also beat Priest Holmes' touchdown record. An incoming Chiefs run-back, Larry Johnson, would have been an excellent option, as would LaDanian Tomlinson, and Carson Palmer. Although Palmer was a star in his rookie season however, it would be strange to see that he was on the cover, considering the fact that he was out for the entire season following the rupture of his knee during the playoffs the year prior to.
My preferred choice as the person to cover it would be Steve Smith. Smith enjoyed a fantastic 2003 season that saw the Panthers to reach the Super Bowl, then he went without a game for almost the whole year in the 2004 season. Smith came back in massive way in 2022 scoring the most points in the cheap Mut 25 coins in touchdowns, yards, and receptions. He also won the triple crown of wide receivers.