Lamar Jackson’s journey to the top of the Madden NFL 26 ratings has been nothing short of legendary. After years of dazzling performances, rewriting the playbook on what a quarterback can be, and consistently elevating the Baltimore Ravens to championship contention, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback has finally achieved the ultimate individual video game honor: a 99 overall rating. This induction into the vaunted “99 Club” is more than a number—it is a testament to his enduring excellence, remarkable versatility, and game-breaking ability that makes defenders look helpless and fans rise to their feet every Sunday. In Madden lore, a 99 overall rating is sacred ground. Only a handful of NFL players are ever deemed worthy, and the standard is impossibly high. For Lamar Jackson, reaching that pinnacle is the culmination of a legacy that continues to unfold in front of our eyes—a recognition that places him alongside the most dominant players the game has ever seen.
When Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the final pick of the first round in 2018, there were questions. Could he transition from a college superstar into a legitimate NFL quarterback? Would his electrifying legs translate to long-term success? Could he lead a franchise in a league obsessed with pocket passers? Jackson didn’t just answer those questions—he tore them apart. In just his second season, he led the league in touchdown passes, rushed for over 1,200 yards, and earned the NFL MVP award. That season wasn’t a fluke. It was the first glimpse of what would become a consistent storm of brilliance. His speed, vision, arm strength, and instinct have made him one of the most feared players in the game. Defensive coordinators stay up late at night trying to figure out how to contain him. Linebackers and safeties can’t catch him. Cornerbacks are stuck in coverage while Jackson creates magic with his feet. And now, with the 99 rating, his greatness is finally etched in Madden history.
Madden ratings have always been a hot topic of debate. Players take pride in their numbers, often reacting on social media when the new ratings are released. For years, Jackson hovered in the mid-90s—respected but not crowned. Each year, fans would argue that he was being underrated. Each year, Jackson let his game do the talking. But now, in Madden NFL 26, there’s no more room for doubt. Jackson has earned his seat at the head of the table. The 99 Club is reserved for the best of the best. The players who change games by themselves. The ones who define their era. Lamar Jackson is now in that class. His addition to the 99 Club speaks volumes—not just about his stats, but about the fear he puts into opponents and the excitement he brings to fans.
What makes Jackson’s inclusion in the 99 Club even more meaningful is the journey he’s taken to get here. He has dealt with criticism, doubt, and injury setbacks. He has played through adversity, shouldered the burden of expectation, and carried the hopes of a franchise hungry for a title. Each time, he has emerged stronger. His 99 overall rating is not just about this past season—it’s a celebration of everything he’s accomplished so far. It’s a nod to the jaw-dropping highlights, the impossible escapes from pressure, the 50-yard dashes to the end zone, and the pinpoint throws across his body. Madden NFL 26 is simply reflecting what fans and analysts have known for years: Lamar Jackson is different. He’s not just great. He’s transcendent.
There’s also the broader cultural significance of Jackson’s rating. In a league that has often undervalued Black quarterbacks, Jackson has not only broken stereotypes—he’s redefined the position. His play forces a rethink of traditional quarterbacking paradigms. He is the prototype for the future, inspiring a new generation of athletes who see themselves in his game. To see him on the Madden NFL 26 cover art in full Ravens regalia, marked by that bold 99 number, is to witness a moment that’s about more than football—it’s about progress, visibility, and deserved recognition. It’s about what happens when you bet on yourself and keep proving everyone wrong.
Statistically, it’s not hard to make the case for Jackson. His rushing records for a quarterback are already historic. He’s passed for over 4,000 yards in a season, has a career completion percentage near the league average despite throwing on the move constantly, and has one of the highest touchdown-to-interception ratios in the game. He’s a nightmare in the red zone and nearly unstoppable on third down. And perhaps most importantly, he wins. With Jackson under center, the Ravens have consistently been a playoff team. When he’s healthy, they are contenders. That kind of impact goes beyond the numbers. It’s what separates a star from a superstar. It’s what defines a 99 overall player.
The Ravens organization has always backed Jackson, but this Madden nod offers validation from a different source—the fans, the gaming world, and the NFL audience at large. The developers at EA Sports are meticulous in their evaluations. They study film, consult scouts, and lean on data to determine who deserves what. So for Jackson to finally rise to 99 means that every aspect of his game has been weighed, analyzed, and found elite. His speed and acceleration ratings are among the highest ever for a quarterback. His throw-on-the-run, juke move, and break sack attributes are unmatched. But even more impressive is the overall balance he brings. He’s not a one-trick pony. He’s a complete, dynamic, evolved quarterback—and Madden has officially acknowledged that.
Fans of the Madden video game franchise understand how significant the 99 Club is. It’s not just a number—it’s a badge of honor. Players inducted into this elite group are treated to custom gear, commemorative plaques, and global recognition. It becomes part of their brand, part of their legacy. For Lamar Jackson, who’s never shied away from his love for the game—both on the field and on the console—this is a full-circle moment. He once dreamed of being the best in the NFL. Now, he’s officially the best in the game.
The future is bright for Jackson. With his skillset still evolving, and the Ravens continuing to build around him, there’s no ceiling in sight. This 99 overall rating might just be the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where Jackson isn’t just chasing greatness—he’s setting the standard for it. It also sets expectations. With the league now recognizing his total dominance, the target on his back grows larger. But if Jackson’s history tells us anything, it’s that he thrives when the spotlight is brightest. He is at his best when the stakes are highest. And this 99 rating is only going to fuel him more.
Off the field, Jackson’s personality, work ethic, and humility have endeared him to fans across the country. He’s not loud or brash, but he’s fiercely competitive. He represents Baltimore with pride. He plays with heart. And he’s used his platform to uplift others, engage in charity work, and speak up when it matters. The 99 overall rating celebrates the player—but it also indirectly celebrates the man. The one who always said, “Not bad for a running back,” after he won MVP. The one who plays the game his way and makes no apologies for it.
As Madden NFL 26 prepares for launch, the buzz around Lamar Jackson is electric. The game will fly off shelves, players will build their teams around him in franchise mode and Ultimate Team, and the debates will rage online over who should and shouldn’t be in the 99 Club. But one thing is certain—Lamar Jackson belongs. He’s not just in the club. He is the club. He represents the cutting edge of football, the intersection of athleticism and intelligence, and the future of the quarterback position.
There will always be critics, always be those who try to diminish greatness. But for now, Lamar Jackson stands tall—arm cocked back, ready to strike, pixels gleaming on the screen in Ravens purple—with a 99 hovering beside him. It’s a moment earned. It’s a moment deserved. And for every fan who’s watched him scramble, juke, launch bombs, and lead comebacks, it’s a moment that feels like justice.
This 99 overall isn’t just about Lamar Jackson being the best in Madden NFL 26. It’s about Lamar Jackson showing the world that greatness isn’t about fitting the mold. It’s about breaking it. Over and over again.
