Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the premier offensive talents in football, was surprisingly left out of the 99 Club in Madden NFL 26. Known for his dynamic playing style that excites both fans and video gamers alike, Mahomes was one of the top players omitted from this year’s exclusive seven-player list. Despite this, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco defended the rating decision, emphasizing Mahomes’ growth potential.
Chad Ochocinco remarked,
“It’s fair he’s a 98, it’s not bad,”
highlighting that Mahomes’ recent season, although strong, did not culminate in a Super Bowl victory — a key benchmark for the highest Madden ratings. He continued,
“But there is a good chance that he has not taken a step back or anything. He has room for improvement, he showed he is a human.”
Other Notable Kansas City Chiefs Players Also Omitted
Mahomes was not the only Kansas City Chiefs standout excluded from the 99 Club this year. Tight end Travis Kelce, a dominant presence in previous editions Madden NFL 24 and 25, also missed the cut. This exclusion reflects the Chiefs’ recent season, where they fell short of making history by failing to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl ring, losing decisively to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Several Top NFL Players Overlooked in Madden NFL 26 Ratings
Beyond Mahomes and Kelce, Madden NFL 26 also saw several prominent NFL stars omitted from the 99 Club despite their impressive performances. Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt were all notable absences.
Patrick Surtain II, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time since Stephon Gilmore achieved the honor, was instrumental in the Denver Broncos’ return to the playoffs under Sean Payton’s coaching.
Micah Parsons maintained his reputation as one of the league’s premier pass rushers with another 10-plus sack season. Despite missing a few games due to injury—the first in his career—Parsons remains a defensive cornerstone for the Cowboys, yet has not made the 99 Club.
Derrick Henry delivered a historic season in his debut with the Baltimore Ravens, playing a critical role in their deep playoff run. Nevertheless, he too was left out of the elite Madden rating group.
T.J. Watt, known for leading the league in forced fumbles during the 2024 campaign, continues to wait for his first inclusion in the 99 Club. His brother, J.J. Watt, made the list multiple times over his career, underscoring the challenge T.J. faces in gaining similar recognition.
Implications of Madden 99 Club Selections on Perceptions of NFL Elite
The Madden 99 Club remains an influential benchmark within both the NFL and gaming communities, as it symbolizes the pinnacle of player performance and skill in the digital realm. While the absence of players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and other top performers might seem surprising to some fans, it illustrates the fine line the franchise walks between recognizing current excellence and acknowledging potential for growth.
Chad Ochocinco’s defense of Mahomes highlights an important perspective: even elite athletes continue to evolve and can improve. The ongoing discussions around player ratings are likely to persist as the NFL season progresses and performances unfold. For now, Mahomes’ exclusion from the 99 Club serves as a reminder that he is still developing, with plenty of football ahead to further cement his legacy both on the field and in Madden.