updated 7:33 p.m. ET Aug. 7, 2008

LOS ANGELES - Don't judge Brett Favre in "Madden NFL 09'' by his cover.

When the latest edition of the football video game franchise is released Tuesday, it will still feature the quarterback in his Green Bay Packers uniform - despite the fact Favre was traded to the New York Jets.

But publisher Electronic Arts said it was releasing a downloadable update to make Favre a Jet in the game, as well as new cover art for anyone who wants it.

"We do not plan to reissue packaging but will offer a free downloadable cover in the coming days on easports.com featuring Brett Favre in a Jets uniform,'' EA Sports said in a statement released Thursday. "Fans can print this new cover out and insert it into the case of 'Madden NFL 09.'''

EA Sports will release a free downloadable update to the game with the Favre character as a Jet — and any other player who signs as a free agent or moves teams — before the start of the regular season. But "Madden NFL 09'' will be released Tuesday with the Favre character as a Packer on all-time greats team.

The Packers traded their three-time MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback to the Jets on Wednesday, ending months of speculation over Favre's future after he announced he was retiring in March. EA Sports originally unveiled Favre as the cover athlete for the 20th edition of the "Madden'' game in April.

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