Giants fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Victor Cruz was eliminated from contention to be on the cover of Madden NFL 13, it was announced Wednesday.

Cruz, who was the Giants representative in the tournament, lost in the third round to San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis. Cruz had triumphed over Redskins LB Brian Orakpo and Jets CB Darrelle Revis in the previous two rounds.

Giants fans may look to the silver lining when it comes to Cruz’s elimination, meaning their favorite team will not need to worry about the “Madden Curse” during the 2012 season.

Ever since the Madden franchise switched to featuring a player on the cover in 2001, the player has often suffered a serious injury.

Peyton Hillis, last year’s cover athlete, was limited to 567 yards and three TDs in 10 games during the 2011 season. Hillis recorded career-highs in carries (270), yards (1,177), receptions (61) receiving yards (477), total TDs (13) and games played (16) the season before.

Panthers QB Cam Newton, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Lions WR Calvin Johnson join Willis in the final four.

The winner of the cover vote will be announced during the April 25 installment of “SportsNation” on ESPN.