By now you likely have read about the organizational changes happening within the senior leadership at EA that were announced yesterday. While I am personally excited to be moving into the role of EA’s Chief Operating Officer, I do so knowing that I am leaving one of the greatest jobs in the world.

For months, if not the past several years now, I've made no secret that I think the global language of sports uniquely positions EA SPORTS to be a leader in the digital transformation of our industry. While we're far from there yet, we have been laser focused for some time now on connecting fans from across the world through sports and games, on delivering year-round products and services, and on creating persistent experiences that span platforms.

Typically July celebrations are reserved for Independence Day, vacations, and other summertime fare. Yet today, we celebrate by looking ahead to the fall and the fact that the 2011 NFL season will proceed, uninterrupted. It's time to get back to football and fans across the world are now frothing at the mouth to talk about what will take place on the field. But before the players get onto the field, much work remains in front offices around the NFL.

It's an exciting time for us at EA SPORTS as we continue the radical transformation of our business. There is now more opportunity than ever to bring connected sports experiences to our fans in a multitude of ways, on a multitude of platforms. Success is no longer measured on the results of packaged goods, but rather in how we engage with our community and build a persistent, online world that is with you anytime and anywhere.

This week, we have announced that Mark Ingram will grace the cover of NCAA Football 12, and next week either Peyton Hillis or Michael Vick will officially earn the cover of Madden NFL 12. While it's perfectly normal to name the cover athletes for both games this time of year...it's how we've gotten to this point that has been far from status quo.

It's that time of year again....the time of year when football fans are usually beginning to wonder which players EA SPORTS will select to grace the cover of NCAA Football and Madden NFL. But this year we've turned the vote over to the fans, and the early response has been spectacular.