Madden Ratings: 99 Club

The Madden NFL 99 Club is a prestigious fraternity, reserved only for the most elite players in the NFL. A 99 OVR is considered the Madden Ratings summit; it’s the highest rating a player can achieve in the game. Indeed, it’s a status worthy of celebrating for both players and fans alike. This week, we’re revealing this year’s 99 Club members ahead of Madden NFL 21’s worldwide launch on August 28, 2020. So keep checking back here, as we’ll update this blog as more info is revealed on the 99 Club players all week long.

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

A wise man once said, “you can’t guard Mike.” Actually, that’s what Michael Thomas says about himself, hence his Twitter handle.

Thomas backed up that moniker with a record-shattering 2019 season. The Saints wideout set the single-season receptions record last year with 149. He also surpassed Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most receiving yards through a player’s first four seasons in NFL history (5,512). Thomas recorded the most receptions in a two-season span in NFL history with 274 in 2018 and 2019. But wait, there’s more! Thomas has the all-time single-season record of nine games with 10-plus receptions and is one of four players with 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first four seasons in the NFL.

So, if you’re playing as the Saints in Madden NFL 21 and are looking to run up the score, you know who to throw the ball to. Michael Thomas, welcome to the Madden 99 Club!

Stephon Gilmore, CB, New England Patriots

A true shutdown corner, it’s safe to say that Stephon Gilmore is more than worthy of his newly attained Madden 99 Club status.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage last season until Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. He allowed a passer rating of just 32.8 on throws into his coverage during his incredible 2019 campaign, tied for the league lead with six interceptions and led the entire NFL in passes defensed with 20.

Basically what we’re saying is, if you’re playing against the Patriots in Madden NFL 21, do everything in your power to not throw the ball in Gilmore’s direction.

Aaron Donald, RE, Los Angeles Rams

No stranger to the 99 Club, Aaron Donald has now owned a 99 OVR rating at launch for four consecutive seasons, dating back to Madden NFL 18 kickoff. The Los Angeles superstar is unquestionably the most dominant defensive player in the NFL. Donald was chosen by his peers last year as the No. 1 player in the NFL, according to the league’s annual Top 100 ranking. He was also selected by ESPN as the Rams’ player of the decade. And just a few weeks ago, Pro Football Focus labeled Donald as the “No. 1 overall player entering 2020.” 

At this point, the Rams defensive game-wrecker probably has a room solely dedicated to Madden 99 Club swag. If you’re going up against him in Madden 21, just make sure your QB gets the ball out quickly … just sayin’.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers

At 24-years-old, Christian McCaffrey became just the third player in NFL history to accumulate 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. His 2019 campaign was off the charts statistically, as he also piled up 19 total touchdowns. The dynamic Panthers RB set a record for the most receptions by a running back in NFL history with 116, breaking his own previously set record of 107 in 2018. 

McCaffrey agreed to a contract extension last April that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The Madden Ratings Adjustors couldn’t hold off any longer, they had to put CMC in the 99 Club this year. The ankle-breaking running back is as dangerous in Madden as he is in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey is a true offensive weapon that keeps defenses guessing (and missing tackles) and his induction into the 99 Club is one that was hard-earned, and well-deserved.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

The highest-rated quarterback in Madden 21 at launch is none other than last year’s cover athlete, and Super Bowl LIV champion (and MVP), Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes isn’t new to the 99 Club this season, as he reached a 99 OVR after Week 3 last season, coming off his league MVP campaign in 2018. 

The Kansas City Chiefs recently signed their young superstar QB to a massive, 10-year contract. Yeah, Chiefs Kingdom wants to keep this guy around for a while, and we don’t blame them. Mahomes threw 50 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards in 2018 (his first season as a starter), and followed up last year with the aforementioned Super Bowl victory against the 49ers last February. Keep the good times rolling, and continue to dominate with Mahomes under center in Madden 21.

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Madden NFL 21 is out worldwide on August 28. Pre-order the Madden NFL 21 Deluxe or MVP Edition and play 3 days early. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and EA Forums. Sign up for the Newsletter today to receive updates on Madden, and other EA news, products, and events, all season long.