Always the topic of heated debate, EA Sports has released the starting ratings for all the players on Madden NFL 24 – but who has made the coveted 99 Club?
A staple of EA’s Madden franchise, the 99 Club refers to any player that receives the maximum overall rating throughout the game cycle. Of course, only the biggest and best stars currently in the National Football League get this honour – making it a rarity on the game.
For example, only four players started the previous Madden video game, 23, in the 99 Club. Meanwhile, the likes of Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce reached the club as part of various mid-season upgrades.
So, what about this year? Well, just five stars will be in the Madden NFL 24 99 Club at the launch of the game. Let’s run through who has made it.
Justin Jefferson – WR, Minnesota Vikings
Starting off our list is a debutant in the 99 Club. Despite being just 24 years old, Justin Jefferson has established himself as arguably the best Wide Receiver in the entire league.
The former LSU star led the NFL in both receptions and receiving yards in 2022, racking up over 1800 yards in total. As a result of this monstrous campaign, Jefferson was unanimously voted First Team All-Pro.
His outstanding play then helped Minnesota win the NFC North and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
We should expect to see the Vikings star in the 99 Club more often in the future.
Zack Martin – G, Dallas Cowboys
Impressively, Zack Martin is the first Guard to earn a 99 OVR in twenty years. The previous G to receive the honour was another Cowboys Offensive Lineman, Larry Allen, in 2003.
A dominant force in the trenches, Martin was First Team All-Pro in 2022 – his sixth career selection. Now, he has the honour of the Madden 24 99 Club to add to his CV, too.
Unfortunately, though, Martin may not be reporting for on-pitch action anytime soon due to a contract dispute with Dallas. According to reports, the Guard may skip training camp due to discontent with his contract.
The Cowboys will want to get that sorted soon as he will leave a huge gap in the O-Line if absent next season.
Patrick Mahomes – QB, Kansas City Chiefs
One of two Chiefs in the 99 Club, Patrick Mahomes is one of the top-rated Madden 24 players after another incredible season.
Following his MVP-winning regular season, Mahomes delivered in the playoffs and won his second ring in Super Bowl LVII. He also claimed a second-career Super Bowl MVP to go along with this.
But that’s not all. Mahomes was the first player to win regular-season MVP and then the Super Bowl in the same season since Kurt Warner in 1999. So, the quarterback even beat a jinx as well.
Is there anything that can stop Mahomes and the Chiefs? According to Madden, apparently, there is not.
Travis Kelce – TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes’ trusty target Travis Kelce makes his fourth appearance in the 99 Club on Madden 24. And once again he has fully earned his spot.
The dominant Tight End is among the greatest of all time in the position and showed his quality throughout an All-Pro calibre 2022. He led TEs in receiving yards, whilst also finishing second in the NFL for receiving touchdowns.
Kelce was, therefore, absolutely vital in helping Kansas City to their third Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
Such unstoppable talent fully justifies Kelce’s 99 rating in yet another Madden game.
Aaron Donald – DT, Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald has almost become ever-present in the 99 club, although is the only defensive player to make the elite group this year.
The LA Rams superstar has received his seventh 99 OVR on Madden, setting a record for the video game franchise. He surpasses former Colts and Broncos QB Peyton Manning, who was a 99 on six editions.
Again, it is hard to argue against Donald’s inclusion in the Club, really. He is an absolute wrecking ball on the defensive side of the ball, terrorizing QBs and snuffing out plays before they have a chance to start.
Hopefully, the Rams can improve on their disappointing 2022 and challenge in the NFC again. That way, we can enjoy seeing Aaron Donald causing havoc in the playoffs once more.
But if that doesn’t happen, he will still be a problem virtually thanks to his maximum rating.
Donald completes the five members of the 99 Club at the start of Madden 24. This exclusive group can increase, though; if someone has an incredible season in real life, then they too may see their video game rating max out.
Madden 24 is available to pre-order now ahead of its worldwide launch on 18 August.
Featured image credit: EA Sports Madden NFL
