EA Sports has kicked off the Madden 27 cycle with a headline-grabbing reveal: the exclusive 99 Club is in, and six NFL stars made the cut.
The list is loaded with big names and a few choices that are already stirring debate. Myles Garrett leads the defensive group as a Rams defensive end, while Matthew Stafford also lands in the club as the Rams quarterback. Josh Allen gives the Bills a spot, Jaxon Smith-Njigba represents Seattle, Ja’Marr Chase is in for Cincinnati, and Trey McBride rounds it out for Arizona.
The full reveal read: “BREAKING: The 99 Club has been unveiled for Madden 27 ✨🔸 Rams DE Myles Garrett 🔸 Rams QB Matthew Stafford 🔸 Bills QB Josh Allen 🔸 Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba🔸 Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase 🔸 Cardinals TE Trey McBride pic.twitter.com/ZUlsqzwCcB”
The selections reflect what each player did in 2025. Garrett was a force off the edge last season, Stafford steered the Rams offense, Allen kept defenses guessing with his arm and legs, Smith-Njigba broke out, Chase produced at a high level again, and McBride stayed steady as both a blocker and a pass catcher. EA’s ratings are clearly tied to that kind of dominance.
Not everyone is seeing the list the same way, though. McBride’s inclusion raised some eyebrows, while Smith-Njigba drew plenty of praise. Chase supporters felt vindicated, Allen felt like a lock, and Garrett’s move to the Rams only adds to the spotlight around his spot in the club.
The reveal also gives Madden players something to chew on early. Ultimate Team builds are already getting mapped out, Franchise mode just got a little more realistic, and the inevitable snubs are fueling the usual online arguments. Patrick Surtain fans were among those voicing frustration, with other stars left just below the top tier.
For EA, the timing works. The 99 Club always carries weight, and this year’s group sets the tone for Madden 27 as the game moves toward its later-summer launch and expected official confirmation. These six are the standard-bearers for now.
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