Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is among the most popular athletes in New England, but his local appeal wasn't enough for him to overtake 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson in the quarterfinal vote for the "Madden NFL 25" cover.

Peterson, who came within 9 yards of tying Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record in 2012, defeated Gronkowski by a margin of 81 percent to 19 percent to advance to the semifinals, where he will face off against Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The bracket involves both current and past NFL players, with Gronkowski and Tedy Bruschi representing the Patriots. Bruschi was knocked out in the first round, while Gronkowski advanced past both Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and then Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Voting for the semifinals continues through April 10. To cast your vote, CLICK HERE.