This year marks the 20th anniversary of Electronic Arts' Madden NFL franchise, so it's no small surprise that the established sports video game company has announced that it will be extending its licensing relationships with the National Football League and its players until the end of the 2012 NFL season.

The agreement signed encompasses all the rights for EA to use NFL teams, stadiums, and players for its critically acclaimed and best selling football video games under the EA Sports brand.

This agreement will last until the end of the NFL's 2012 season, which culminates in February 2013, and includes all aspects of interactive experience from console and handheld games as well as console-based online features.

EA Sports President Peter Moore had this to say regarding the rich history of the company and its dedication to delivering its the NFL franchise of games for gamers:

For nearly two decades, EA Sports has been bringing sports fans closer to the great game of football through the breakthrough interactive experiences of our videogames. Game quality is our top priority, and we’re committed to pushing our gameplay innovation, connecting football fans via rich online experiences and delivering the most visually stunning sports games on the market.