Wow! I think I may have just wasted $49.99 (+ tax + gas money). It looks like the random “system” issues that I have seen (game randomly shutting down, lock ups, etc) are rather common.
EA Sports Forum Madden Issue Thread
Evil Avatar Madden Issue Thread
Most of the issues that I have found after a few minutes of looking describe random shut-down problems with the franchise mode, but I have seen problems loading the game, trying to get to the wireless mode, and within a single player exhibition game.
I wish I followed my normal routine and ordered from EBGames or Gamestop because I would send this turkey back to the store. Un-f’ing-believable!