Travis Kelce makes historic fourth appearance in Madden ’99 club’

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Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce made history this week, becoming the first NFL tight end to earn his fourth entry into the Madden “99 club.” After helping the Chiefs reach another Super Bowl in the 2022 season, Kelce scored a perfect 99 rating for Madden NFL 24, which comes out in August.

Although the former Cincinnati standout didn’t start the 2022 season with a perfect rating, he ended up earning it after a stellar performance in Week 15. Madden updates ratings during the season, as well as before and after.

Kelce finished the 2022 season with a career-high 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. He also added another 27 catches for 257 yards with four touchdowns on the way to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Although his designation is tight end, Kelce has been the second-most productive pass-catcher in the last seven years. He’s topped 1,000 yards in each season since 2016 and he’s just 101 yards shy of Davante Adams‘ total in that span.

The former third-round draft pick is entering his 10th year in the league in 2023. He’s on year four of a four-year, $57.25 million deal with the Chiefs.

Kelce joins Martin, Donald, Jefferson in ’99 club’

On Wednesday, ESPN revealed that Cowboys RG Zack Martin is the first guard since Larry Allen in 2003 to receive a perfect Madden rating.

The Cowboys’ starting right guard will have a 99 when Madden NFL 24 comes out, also joining wide receiver Justin Jefferson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. ESPN will continue revealing the newest members of the “99 club” this week.

Martin is entering his 10th season in the NFL. Last season, he earned his sixth first-team All-Pro title. He also has two second-team All-Pro honors.

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 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.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson became the first ’99 club’ receiver for his franchise this week, topping even Randy Moss with his Madden rating.

“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).”