NFL Touring with Merriman

In September, EA let the masses decide on the inaugural cover star for NFL Tour. The three defensive all-stars nominated by EA were Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, and San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Now, the ballots have been cast, and EA has announced that Shawne Merriman has been elected to appear on the cover of the game, which is due out in January for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Merriman, who entered the league in 2005, is a two-time Pro-Bowler and winner of the 2005 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In 2006, he logged a league-leading 17 sacks.

Billed as a traveling football show, NFL Tour puts players in the cleats of an NFL hopeful playing for a shot at a contract. Given that EA remains the exclusive NFL license holder, the game gives players a chance to play against virtual re-creations of real pro pigskin players in arcade-style football. NFL Tour is developed by EA Tiburon, the same studio behind the hugely popular Madden NFL series.