We’ll just have to wait and see. After dealing with years of declining sales of the popular Madden franchise over the past few years, Gamespot reports that Madden NFL 2011 was the highest selling video game on the Xbox 360  and PS3 platforms.  This is despite on overall 10% drop in video game sales during the same month. However, with the latest installment of Madden released last month, it’s too early to tell if it will sell more than last year’s version.

Some have attributed the increase in Madden sales this year over 2009 to a reduced price. Many retailers lowered their price from $60 to $50. But the overall video game industry seems to be hurting due to the declining sales.

The Madden franchise has been a boon to EA Sports, selling 85 million copies and $3 billion in sales since 1998.

So…Brett Favre to the Jets.  A reminder of the terms, from ESPN,

…if Favre takes 50 percent of total snaps with the Jets in 2008, the fourth rounder becomes a third-round pick. If he gets 70 percent of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, it becomes a second-round pick; and if he gets 80 percent of snaps and the Jets make the Super Bowl, it becomes a first-round pick.

Alrighty…looks like Favre is going to be traded for a 3rd round pick, yes?  I don’t see Brett Favre getting the Jets into the playoffs, and the Super Bowl?  Yeah, not quite.

So why is this such a monumental move?

1. Favre is going to the Hall of Fame, assuming he retires one day.

Did I lose respect for him with this whole debacle?  Of course.  But even I can’t deny the fact that Favre is an incredible talent…look at the record books if you don’t believe me.

2. Aaron Rodgers fate is officially sealed.

The only way this couldn’t have turned out bad for the guy who thought it was a blessing in disguise to wait to be drafted, once he learned he got to play behind a future hall-of-famer that was close to retirement, was to have Favre stayed retired.  Now?  He’ll be forever judged by Packers fans based off of the on the field actions of Brett Favre.

3. Tarnished Legacy, FTW!

It’s official now, Favre’s legendary status has been tarnished.  This situation has shown him to be selfish at times, and at the very least, the most indecisive man in the history of the world.  He leads all players in interceptions for a reason people; he sometimes has trouble making decisions.

4. Fantasy Football

Didn’t expect this to be here, did you?  Fantasy football is now an industry bringing in billions of dollars a year.  How much will this trade effect your fantasy draft?  How many draft boards include Lauverenes Coles moving up some spots?  How many people who have already drafted feel like complete ass holes?

5. Jets Personal Seat Licenses.

The Jets were struggling with the whole idea of Personal Seat Licensing…I think making that sale to Jets fans just became a little bit easier.

6. NFL Merchandising

Favre’s Packers jersey was pretty popular (I heard on NFL Network his jersey has sold more than anyone in football).  Think anyone is going to buy his Jets jersey (already on sale)?  Yeah, me too.

7. Chad Pennington

Never has such a mediocre, weak armed QB been allowed to start so many NFL games (or at least do enough to be embroiled in a QB controversy).  No longer.

8. “Mis-Retire”

Sure this was leading up to the trade, but its still a part of the situation.  Have you ever seen a situation where someone retired from their job, then two months later, tried to come back and take their job back?  Now you have.  And you even have a cool catch phrase to accompany the situation.

9. “The Madden Curse”

I’m not even sure where this leaves us.  The first year ever that the guy on the Madden box isn’t even on that team by the time the game comes out…sounds like the curse continues.

10.  Whoever the Packers draft as a result of the trade might as well retire now.

Has there ever been a situation where a player is traded for a hall-of-famer who holds essentially every passing record?  No, because Dan Marino never was traded.  It’s like the guy who gets drafted has “Aaron Rodgers-like odds” to overcome.  Just give up.

That’s it.  When you look at the deal, it is the biggest deal to happen in 19 years in the NFL (The year of the Herschel Walker deal was 1989).  The effect that it has on the Jets and their marketability in New York (especially with the Giants winning the Super Bowl) is unmeasurable.  It will dramatically increase ticket sales, and NFL merchandising revenue.  It also will significantly impact NFL fantasy football, which again is a multi-billion dollar industry.  It also sealed the fate of two players, the current Green Bay QB, and someone who hasn’t even been drafted yet, while helping to tarnish the legacy of an all-time great, coin a new catch phrase, and show the world that a video game curse is very, VERY real.

Favre to the Jets.  Is there any trade that’s bigger?

ESPN:  Favre era ends in Green Bay with trade to the Jets

…vast visual improvements to the graphics of Madden NFL 09 in a new weather comparison screenshot. In Madden NFL 09 you’ll see deeper snow on the fields, with dramatic accumulation and realistic wear from play. Player’s footsteps will leave imprints, snow will be piled on the sidelines and the yardage lines will be shoveled, just like in a real game.

You’ll have to go to the site yourself to see the pictures. So, lets review. Brett Favre is the cover athlete, there are basically no new features…I think I’ll keep it conservative and estimate sales at 2 billion dollars. Of course, once EA signed their exclusive deal allowing them to monopolize the use of NFL players, the only thing surprising about Madden 2009 was the cover artist.

…but Brett Favre? really?

EA Sports: Madden NFL 09 Tidbit: Improved Weather Graphics

Sports Business Digest: EA Sports…It’s in the game. Again. Crap.