Aaron Donald receives historic seventh perfect Madden rating, passing Peyton Manning

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald made history on Tuesday as EA Sports’ Madden NFL 24 unveiled his seventh perfect rating.

His seventh entry into the ’99 club’ surpassed former Colts and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, the previous leader in the 99 club.

The former first-round draft pick out of Pitt is heading into his 10th year in the league.

Last season, he posted five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 11 games. He suffered a high-ankle sprain that knocked him out in late November. It was the first time in his career that he’s missed more than a couple of games.

The 32-year-old defensive tackle is the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. He signed the deal that made him the highest-paid in June of 2022. He inked for three years and $95 million.

Over his first nine season, Donald has accumulated 489 tackles in regular season games. He also has 103 sacks, 97.5 tackles for loss and 24 forced fumbles.

His sack total since the Rams drafted him in 2014 is higher than any other player over that span. That’s why it’s no surprise to see him attain yet another 99 rating from Madden, despite his recent injury.

Donald has won the NFL’s defensive MVP award three times so far, in 2017, 2018 and 2020. He also won defensive rookie of the year in 2014. The former ACC defensive player of the year for 2013 also has nine Pro Bowl nominations, one for each year he’s been in the league.

Justin Jefferson joins Madden ’99 club’

Heading into his fourth year with the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Justin Jefferson scored a 99 rating for EA’s Madden NFL 24.

He was the first member of the 99 club that the game revealed this year. ESPN will continue unveiling the Madden NFL 24 ratings all week long.

“Y’all have no idea what it means to be a 99 in Madden!!” Jefferson tweeted on Monday. “Since I was 7y/o I been creating my own player making him a 99 and now I don’t have to (mind blown emojis).”

Jefferson ranked second among all NFL wide receivers in short, medium and deep route running categories. His rating is far from a surprise given that the former LSU star has the most receiving yards of any NFL wideout over the past three seasons. Since his rookie season, Jefferson has posted 4,825 receiving yards, which is almost 400 yards more than the next-best, Davante Adams.

With his 99 ranking, Jefferson becomes the highest-ever rated wide receiver out of the Vikings, even over the legendary Randy Moss. Moss topped out on Madden with a 98 rating.