Johnson had an outstanding season for the Lions in 2011. (DonkerDink/Creative Commons)

"The people voted, man, the people voted.  They got what they wanted and I am very grateful for that," said Johnson in his acceptance speech.

So just how surprised was the man commonly known as "Megatron" when he found out he would be on the front of the popular football video game? 

"Shocked. Shocked. Just to see yourself on this, seeing all the guys that have been on this through the years before? Come on, man."

Although it is considered to be a great honor to be on the cover, the Electronic Arts game carries with it the mythic "Madden Curse." Last season, Peyton Hillis, then a member of the Cleveland Browns, won the fan vote that landed him on the cover. However, his season was tarnished by nagging injuries and controversy that resulted in just 587 yards rushing compared to 1,117 yards the year before.

Prior to landing on the "Madden NFL 12" cover, Hillis stated that he was not afraid of the curse. This past December the running back recanted his statement, saying that he now believes in the cover jinx. Other "victims" of the supposed curse include Donovan McNabb, Shaun Alexander, and Michael Vick.

Johnson, however, is not worried about this hurting his performance next season.

"No, not a big guy for curses," said Johnson. "I do not even think about it."

Johnson is coming off of a monstrous season in which he caught 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is the third player in NFL season with a minimum of 95 receptions, 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns in a season, joining Randy Moss and Jerry Rice in the elite club.

After helping lead the the Lions to their first playoff appearance in 12 years, he was given a huge eight-year contract worth $132 million in March.

Johnson's upcoming cover appearance gives Detroit three current video game cover boys to boast about.  Cy Young Award-winner and Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is on the cover of "MLB 2K12" and former Lions running back Barry Sanders is featured alongside Robert Griffin III on "NCAA Football 13."

Fans will be able to get their hands on the Megatron cover, and the game itself, when it is released Aug. 28.

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