Madden NFL players are a hearty bunch and lined up last night in Times Square to watch rocker Ozzy Osbourne chant to the outside crowd from inside The Hard Rock Cafe. Nearby, the Toys R Us flagship store received fresh new banners with Madden 08 and Xbox 360 logos to let potential players know that the countdown that would signify the end of Maddenoliday 2008 was only the beginning of a week filled with late nights packed with football goodness.

Celebs on hand to celebrate the annual 50-yard line praise included rappers Lil Jon and Bow Wow; comedians Donnell Rawlings and Nick Cannon; and former and pro footballers Tiki Barber, Jamal Anderson, Warren Moon, Eddie George, Marshall Faulk, and Eric Dickerson. Also in the house was fashionista Angela Simmons, daughter to Reverend Run from Run-DMC.

At the stroke of midnight, Marcus Williams became the first in line to get a copy of Madden 08 for his Xbox 360 and was greeted by former NY Giant running back Tiki Barber for pictured to commemorate the occasion.

See more photos from the launch party.