Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, has been unexpectedly left out of the Madden NFL 99 Club in the upcoming Madden 26 release, sparking widespread surprise and criticism, including from former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman. The Madden 99 Club honors players viewed as the absolute best in the league, and Mahomes had been a fixture in this elite group for four consecutive years, making his exclusion notable given his continued success.
Mahomes’ absence from the list comes despite his leadership in taking the Chiefs to six straight AFC Championship games and securing three Super Bowl titles. Edelman voiced his disbelief, emphasizing Mahomes’ ability to perform despite numerous challenges during last season.
Julian Edelman Calls Out Mahomes’ Omission Amid Challenging Season
Edelman strongly questioned the decision to exclude Mahomes from the Madden 99 Club, citing the quarterback’s resilience in 2023. Mahomes played behind a severely weakened offensive line and with injured receivers, yet still led Kansas City to a 15-win regular season and another Super Bowl appearance. According to Edelman, Mahomes remains the best player in the NFL despite what statistics might suggest.
How is Patrick Mahomes not a 99,
Edelman said.
He literally had a depleted team last year. All of his receivers were hurt. His offensive line got shattered. They had two losses last year.
They go to the Super Bowl for a threepeat. This guy is not a 99. I think that’s crazy. He is still the best player in football. Josh Allen and Lamar still haven’t beaten him like when it mattered. He didn’t even have the teams.
—Julian Edelman, Former NFL Wide Receiver
This defense highlights the debate over how Madden ratings reflect player performance. Mahomes’ ability to succeed despite adversity is seen by many as evidence of his elite status, even if his raw statistics dipped compared to previous seasons.
Lane Johnson’s First-Time Madden 99 Rating Highlights Linemen’s Value
While Mahomes’ exclusion stirred controversy, other players made headlines by joining the Madden 99 Club for the first time. Among them is Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who received a 99 rating after years of outstanding but often overlooked performance.
Former tight end Rob Gronkowski praised Johnson’s work ethic and toughness, underscoring how linemen rarely get the recognition they deserve for their vital roles.
He doesn’t even deal with pain. He just fights through anything and just takes it out on his opponent.
—Rob Gronkowski, Former NFL Tight End
Johnson has consistently anchored one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines while playing through numerous injuries, earning two Super Bowl rings during his career. His entry into the Madden 99 Club reflects growing recognition of the critical role offensive linemen play in a team’s success.
Other Players Joining the Madden 99 Club and the Ongoing Rating Debate
In addition to Lane Johnson, other newcomers to the 99 Club include Saquon Barkley, MVP quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, as well as wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Defensive standout Myles Garrett also returned after an exceptional season with the Cleveland Browns.
Mahomes’ absence raises an important discussion about the criteria used for Madden ratings: should they prioritize recent statistics alone or also account for intangible factors like leadership, postseason success, and team circumstances? Madden ratings aim to capture current dominance, but critics argue Mahomes demonstrated indispensable value despite a less statistically dominant year.
The Implications of Mahomes’ Madden 99 Club Snub for EA and the NFL Community
Being left out of the Madden 99 Club is significant for a player of Mahomes’ stature, as this distinction not only reflects peer and fan recognition but also influences player branding and legacy within the NFL gaming community. This decision, widely debated by fans and analysts alike, suggests EA Sports is placing substantial weight on statistical trends rather than contextual achievements.
Looking ahead, this controversy may prompt reconsideration of how player ratings are determined, potentially incorporating a more holistic view of performance that factors in leadership and resilience under pressure. For Mahomes and the Chiefs, the focus remains on maintaining their NFL dominance on the field, where his contributions continue to define the team’s success.