There are only five NFL players who made the coveted 99 Club in the upcoming Electronic Arts video game “Madden 21.”
Each of these guys are among the best in the NFL in real life, to be sure. Whether they are truly the best at their position is up for debate, especially the running back and receiver.
Without further ado, here’s the five players who were named to the “Madden 21” 99 Club this summer.
Aaron Donald, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Rams
There is absolutely zero doubt that Donald deserves to be in the 99 Club for “Madden 21.” He made it for the fourth consecutive year, too.
All this guy does is absolutely wreck the pocket on run and pass plays alike. Though he plays inside, Donald can move all over the line and is among the most devastating pass rushers from anywhere on the field the NFL has to offer. He’s made the Pro Bowl every single season since his rookie campaign and has been a First-team All Pro the past five years running.
With 72 sacks in his first six seasons, Donald is well on his way to the Hall of Fame.
Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, New England Patriots
Last season, Gilmore proved himself to be, without a shadow of doubt, one of the NFL’s elite defensive playmakers. The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was the epitome of a shut-down corner.
We recently ranked Gilmore as the NFL’s most lethal shutdown corner, and of course his stats last season backed up that notion. Gilmore broke up 20 passes (No. 1 in the NFL), racked up six interceptions (T-1 in the NFL) and forced 15 incompletions (No. 4 in the NFL). He also did not allow a single touchdown.
Christian McCaffrey, running back, Carolina Panthers
The NFL is loaded with elite running back talent, so this is a bit more controversial than the previous two picks for the “Madden 21” 99 Club.
However, McCaffrey is currently the league’s highest-paid back, and it’s easy to see why given his extraordinary abilities as a receiver. This dude can do it all on the gridiron. Whether he’s taking it to the house on a run up the gut or abusing defenders in the open field as a receiver, he is lightning in a bottle.
Last year, McCaffrey put up over 1,000 yards both running and receiving — setting a record in the process — while racking up 2,392 yards and 19 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Michael Thomas, wide receiver, New Orleans Saints
The most controversial member of the 99 Club in “Madden 21,” Michael Thomas is undeniably one of the NFL’s best receivers. However, it’s not hard to argue there are a few guys who could easily have been slotted in here instead of the New Orleans Saints star. Julio Jones and DeAndre Hopkins are two I’d personally rank ahead of Thomas when it comes to overall ratings.
That being said, nobody can deny that Thomas’ hands are the best in the business.
Last season, Thomas racked up an NFL-record 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns, and he rarely lets a ball hit the turf. Whenever Drew Brees needs a play, he’s looking for this guy.
Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s hard to argue against this pick. Mahomes was the first member of the 99 Club to be announced ahead of the “Madden 21” release, and for good reason. He’s the new face of the NFL, just got paid more than any other pro athlete in the history of sports and appears to just be scratching the surface of his true potential.
Mahomes lands on the 99 Club for the second consecutive year after winning NFL MVP after the 2018 season and winning it all last year for the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s piled up an astonishing 9,412 yards and 76 touchdowns passing in his first 31 career games. The sky is the limit for Mahomes and the Chiefs going forward.