To most people, 99 is nothing more than a number: the largest possible two-digit positive integer, falling between 98 and 100.
But for fans of the Madden NFL video game franchise, it's so much more. It's a source of pride, joy and prestige — or a weapon to brandish against fans of hated rivals. It signifies that a player is one of the top players in the NFL, virtual or otherwise.
The mere mention of the rating is enough to spark heated debate: Is a player underrated if they don't hit that number? Are there any players who shouldn't have received it? And who, exactly, got the distinction this year?
In last year's edition of Madden, just four players received the vaunted rating from EA Sports: 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams, Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, Browns EDGE Myles Garrett and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Will more players rate a 99 this season?
MORE: When does 'Madden 24' come out? Release date, trailer & more to know
The first player to be announced as a 99 overall player is Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, as announced on the Monday episode of ESPN's "Get Up!" Jefferson in 2022 led the NFL with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards while adding eight receiving touchdowns.
The most likely player to join Jefferson in the 99 club was Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who boasted a 95 rating last year before improving in several key statistical categories amid a Super Bowl run. (Naturally, he made the 99 Club again this season)
Who else received the 99 designation? EA Sports will release positional ratings on the following dates:
| Date | Position group |
| Monday, July 17 | Wide receivers |
| Tuesday, July 18 | EDGE |
| Wednesday, July 19 | Running backs |
| Thursday, July 20 | Cornerbacks |
| Friday, July 21 | Quarterbacks |
The Sporting News will track the releases.
MORE: Why Bills’ Josh Allen was chosen as 'Madden 24' cover athlete
'Madden 24' 99 club
Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
Jefferson, arguably the best receiver in the NFL since entering the league in 2020, had one of his best statistical seasons in 2023: He enjoyed career highs with 128 receptions for 1,809 receiving yards, both of which led the league.
He also led the NFL with 28 receptions of 20-plus yards and 80 receptions for first downs.
The Best in The Game 🎮 #Madden24
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 17, 2023
Welcome to the #99Club @JJettas2 ✈️ pic.twitter.com/MnI2b0pKm1
This is Jefferson's first time making the 99 Club, but it likely won't be the last.
Y’all have no idea what it means to be a 99 in Madden!! Since I was 7y/o I been creating my own player making him a 99 and now I don’t have to🤯🤯
— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) July 17, 2023
Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
Donald was unveiled as the second member of the 99 Club on "Madden 24" on Tuesday, marking his seventh straight year in the 99 Club and giving him the most all time, surpassing Peyton Manning. It's unsurprising, considering Donald earned Pro Bowl status in 2022 even amid a "down year" for one of the all-time great defenders in NFL history.
Most appearances in Madden history 😱
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 18, 2023
Welcome back @AaronDonald97 💪 #99Club #Madden24 pic.twitter.com/tXUAvgmug2
Donald in 2022 missed six games, marking a career high for him in his nine-year NFL career. While he was still a force on the interior, he also experienced career-lows in sacks (five) and quarterback hits (11). That clearly wasn't enough to sway EA from giving him one of the top ratings this year.
Zack Martin, G, Cowboys
Six-time first-team All-Pro selection Zack Martin became the third member of the 99 Club on Wednesday, as announced on ESPN's "Get Up!"
1️⃣st Guard since '03 😯 #Madden24
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 19, 2023
Welcome to the #99Club @thegob70 👏 pic.twitter.com/G2JXuFryHv
Martin is now the first offensive guard to join the club since another former Cowboy in Larry Allen (2003).
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
Kelce became the fourth member of the 99 Club on Thursday, as revealed by ESPN's "Get Up!" It is is his fourth time receiving a 99 rating, most all time among tight ends in the Madden franchise.
TE with the most #99Club appearances in Madden History 😎 @tkelce | #Madden24 pic.twitter.com/oRCaqjxGhX
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 20, 2023
Kelce in 2022 earned his fourth first-team All-Pro nod, setting career highs in receptions (110) and touchdowns (12). He also had 1,338 receiving yards, the second-most of his career.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
Unsurprisingly, Mahomes is the final entrant into the 99 Club. It's his third time earning the rating, tying him for third-most all time at the position with Aaron Rodgers.
The best in the game 🎮
— ESPN (@espn) July 21, 2023
Patrick Mahomes is back in the 99 club 🙌 #Madden24 | @eamaddennfl pic.twitter.com/OfqniOJIl8
Mahomes earned his second NFL MVP Award in 2022, a season in which he lost his top receiving threat in Tyreek Hill (Madden's top-rated receiver this year). So how did Mahomes respond? He improved his completion percentage (67.1), passing yards (5,250) and passing touchdowns amid a run to Super Bowl 57.
