On Friday August 16 Madden 25 was released to the general public. One of the biggest talking points is always who are the best players in the game.
The “99 club” or the list of players who are 99 overall, has proven to be an exclusive club over the years. This season the 99 club starts off with just five members.
99 club member 1- Patrick Mahomes- QB- Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has made the 99 club for the fourth season, which is more than any active player in the NFL. Mahomes has consistently proven over the years that he is the best quarterback in the NFL. Last season he won his third super bowl and third super bowl MVP. Mahomes is one of six players to hold more than one super bowl MVP and one of three to have three or more.
Mahomes had six touchdowns and just one interception in four playoff games in the Chiefs super bowl run. Despite only being a starter for six seasons it already seems like Mahomes has accomplished almost everything a QB can. If he is able to three-peat he will put himself in a unique spot. Even Tom Brady with his seven rings never won three straight.
Photo via Sports Illustrated
99 club member 2- Travis Kelce- TE- Kansas City Chiefs
“You know how to ball, I know Aristotle”- Taylor Swift, “So high school”
Travis Kelce has proven throughout his NFL career that he is one of the best receiving tight ends in NFL history. Since his first pro bowl appearance in 2015 he has been the centerpiece to the Chiefs offense and has been Mahomes’ right hand man since he became the starter in 2018. His consistency over the years has earned him a spot in the 99 club three times. Kelce was one of the more controversial additions to the 99 club as he had his worst season since 2015 with just 65.6 yards per game. Regardless he was still an important part to a championship team.
99 club member 3- Justin Jefferson- WR- Minnesota Vikings
When healthy, Justin Jefferson is a pretty easy pick for being the best wide receiver in the league. In 2022, he had the most receptions, receiving yards, yards per game and yards per touch in the league. Even in an injury shortened 2023 he managed to show out. His yards per game and yards per touch actually went up, although due to his only ten games played he was ineligible to be a stat leader. This will be the second time in his career that Jefferson will be in the 99 club.
99 club member 4- Christian McCaffrey- RB- San Francisco 49ers
Who else to be one of the two first time 99 club members than the cover athlete. McCaffrey had his second season of his career with 2,000 or more yards between the air or ground in 2023. His 21 touchdowns between the air and ground were both career highs. His ability to have impact on both areas of the offense have made him a uniquely valuable piece to the 49ers offense.
Despite being a part of a losing effort McCaffrey put on a good show at the super bowl. He had 80 yards on the ground and 80 yards in the air, combining for 160. Even considering his early game fumble it’s still likely that McCaffrey would’ve won super bowl MVP had the 49ers been able to hold on.
Photo via NBC news
99 club member 5- Tyreek Hill- WR- Miami Dolphins
Since Tyreke Hill has been a pro bowler in every single season in his career, it was only a matter of time before he got a chance to be included in the 99 club. He led all wide receivers in yards, touchdowns, yards per game and yards per touch in 2023. Before he missed a game due to injury there were serious conversations of Hill winning MVP, which would’ve made him the first wide receiver to win the honor.
Even without an MVP Hill’s season was historic and he rightfully earned his spot in the 99 club. The Dolphins offense will surely be explosive but ultimately it will be up to the defense if they make the playoffs and go far.
If you want to read more about football games, check out this article on college football 25
