Madden NFL 2004 shipped in summer 2003 for the 2003 NFL season. Launch ratings are set before the season is played, so they reflect the previous year’s performance - a player’s breakout shows up in the next year’s game.
Madden NFL 2004 released August 12, 2003 with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on the cover. The 99 club: Adam Vinatieri, Brian Dawkins, Derrick Brooks, Marvin Harrison, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Owens.
New England won Super Bowl XXXVIII, 32-29 over Carolina on a late Vinatieri field goal, Tom Brady named game MVP. Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared regular-season MVP, Jamal Lewis took Offensive Player of the Year with 2,066 rushing yards, Ray Lewis won Defensive Player of the Year, and Anquan Boldin and Terrell Suggs won the rookie awards.
Cover man Vick broke his fibula in the preseason and played just five games, the Falcons collapsing to 5-11. Jamal Lewis was the over-delivery, running for 2,066 yards including a then-record 295 in one game.