Madden 15 cover goes to Richard Sherman

It's been quite a year for Seattle Seahawks Richard Sherman. After falling into the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Sherman has acended into the 'elite' tier of NFL corners.

In 2013, he was named AP First-Team All-Pro for the second consecutive season after leading the NFL in interceptions (8).

He helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl victory over the Broncos. After the season Sherman received a four-year $57.4 million contract extension, a then-record for cornerbacks.

Now, Sherman has been voted onto the cover of Madden NFL 15. He ousted Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the final round of voting. The announcement was made Friday evening during the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter live from LA LIVE Plaza in Los Angeles.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Your new #MaddenCover athlete for Madden 15 is @Seahawks CB @RSherman_25. pic.twitter.com/BzcwBLCDlL

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 6, 2014

The voting commenced in May, as fans voted for their favorite superstars in a tournament-style format. Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green was ousted in the first round by Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles.

To get to the finals, Sherman toppled Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.