Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson has won a competition to appear on the cover of "Madden NFL 13" video game, beating out rookie sensation Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.

"Man, it's great," Johnson said. "Just to see yourself on this Madden and seeing all the guys that have been on Madden? C'mon, man."

Appearing on the Madden cover comes with the infamous "Madden Curse", which several past players on the cover have been injured or had poor seasons.

Last year's cover winner, running back Petyon Hillis of the Cleveland Browns was plagued by injuries and controversy throughout the season.

After winning the vote last year, Hillis proclaimed that he did not believe in the curse.  However, after the season ended, Hillis said he now believe there is a cover jinx.

Johnson won with 52 percent of the 651,000 votes cast after a season in which the receiver known as "Megatron" caught 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Johnson's season was so prolific that only two other players in NFL history - Jerry Rice and Randy Moss - have had number as high as Johnson.

The Lions rewarded Johnson with record-breaking 8-year $132 million dollar deal in the off season.