In an unprecedented feat, Aaron Donald, the star defensive player for the Los Angeles Rams, has set a remarkable new record in the Madden video game series. On Tuesday, Donald was awarded the highest rating in the game for the seventh time in his career, becoming the most decorated 99 Club member in Madden’s history. He surpasses former record holder, Peyton Manning, who achieved the 99 rating for six editions of the game.
The Madden 99 Club, an exclusive group of players given the top rating in the game, has included Donald for the past seven editions, starting with Madden 18. The 32-year-old athlete first claimed the title in 2017, sharing the prestigious honor with NFL luminaries Tom Brady and Von Miller.
The last time Donald did not receive a 99 rating at launch was during the Madden 17 edition. Despite achieving an impressive 98 overall rating after his first All-Pro season, Donald was not included in the 99 Club that year. Notably, this was also the year (2016) when the Rams made the monumental shift from St. Louis back to Los Angeles.
Throughout his illustrious career, Donald has been a consistent presence at the Pro Bowl, earning a spot every year since his debut. Furthermore, except for his rookie season and last season – when an injury limited him to just 11 games, culminating in five sacks – Donald has been a first-team All-Pro every year.
His accomplishments go beyond his consistent All-Pro nominations. He has also been named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year three times during his 99 Club tenure.
Further establishing his dominance in the game, Donald also holds the title for being the strongest player in Madden, being the only player to have a 99 strength rating.
Former record-holder Peyton Manning had been a steadfast presence in the Madden 99 Club from Madden 06 through Madden 11, before his rating dropped to a 98 for Madden 12. Despite Manning’s impressive run, Aaron Donald’s latest achievement has etched his name at the top, crowning him the most decorated player in the Madden 99 Club’s history.
