Cleveland Browns punishing running back Peyton Hillis(notes) has been selected as the new face of the popular John Madden video game.


Hillis was voted in by fans, Madden bruiser: Peyton Hillis voted onto game's cover - ESPNto beat out Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Michael Vick(notes) for the Madden 2012 cover.

Hillis beat out Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice(notes), Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan(notes), Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles(notes) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers(notes).

The Browns boosted Hillis' chances through an extensive online campaign.

"I think it shows both of us how popular we are, even if we thought we weren't," Hillis told ESPN.com during an online chat. "Me, being a nobody. And Vicks' situation, being down and up. For people to believe in this so-called curse, I can't wait to prove people wrong. From what I believe and where I am in my spiritual life, it would be good to prove them wrong in that sense."