Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons missed 11 games in the 2003-2004 season due to a broken leg after appearing on the cover of the game, thus continuing the "Madden Curse".
This was the best selling video game of 2003.
This was the first game in the Madden NFL series to feature or introduce "play-maker" controls. Flicking the right analog stick after calling a run play but before the snap would change the direction of the run, flicking the right analog stick after snapping the ball during a running play could direct a full back to make a certain block and flicking the right analog stick during a passing play after the snap could direct a wide receiver to an open spot on the field.
Gameplay footage from this title is shown or featured in the Back in the Mud music video by Bubba Sparxx. This song was featured in this game's soundtrack.