Madden 25 cover vote: Barry Sanders advances to semifinals

The Detroit Lions' bid to put a player on the cover of Madden for the second year in a row is looking quite good. Former Lions running back Barry Sanders is now in the semifinals in the vote, and he is one of only two "Old School" players left in the bracket.

Sanders moved on to the semifinals by defeating Joe Montana by a margin of 57-43. Before that, Sanders took down Ray Lewis by a margin of 67-33 in the third round. Now he is matched up against Jerry Rice, and the winner will move on to the finals. Already, the two are having some fun with their matchup.

Wow! I didn't think I would beat Montana on the #Madden25 vote. Thanks to all the fans! I'm coming for you @jerryrice espn.com/maddenvote

— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 10, 2013

Game on!!! lol RT @barrysanders: didn't think I would beat Montana on the #Madden25 vote. Thanks to (cont) tl.gd/lhatun

— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) April 11, 2013

Voting for the semifinals is open through April 17. The winner will then be matched up from April 17-24 with either Arian Foster or Adrian Peterson.