An active Detroit Lions player will not grace the cover of the Madden video game series for a second consecutive year, but a Hall of Famer remains alive in the voting.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was bounced in the first round of the 64-player tournament -- consistent of current players and legends -- to determine a cover athlete for the 25th anniversary edition of the game.

Stafford was defeated by Tampa Bay Bucs running back Doug Martin, who claimed 53 percent of the vote in the head-to-head matchup.

Going forward, the Lions will be represented by retired running back Barry Sanders, who trounced former Chicago Bears linebacker, and current Carolina Panthers coach, Ron Rivera.

Sanders received a staggering 95 percent of the vote and will be matched up against another legendary running back in the round 32, former Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs standout Marcus Allen.

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson was the cover athlete last season, emerging victorious in a similar 64-player bracket. He edged Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the finals to claim the honor.

Fans can vote for the next round through March 27.