For football and video game fans alike, the annual release of EA Sports’ Madden NFL video game is a calendar-circle worthy event. While Madden 22 doesn’t officially release until August 20th, last week was ratings release week, when NFL players find out if they’ve attained the coveted “99” rating. Although no Georgia football alums reached 99 status, 42 former Dawgs populated the list.
Five players garnered a 99 rating in this year’s game: defensive end Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and wide receiver Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers topped the ratings chart.
If EA’s talent evaluators are on target, former No. 1 overall pick and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford should be happy in his new digs in the City of Angels, with a stout defense to complement what Sean McVay hopes is an offense rejuvenated by Stafford’s right arm.
Mecole Hardman probably hopes opposing defenses focus their attention on Kelce, and leave him alone to benefit from the vertical passing game and no-look throws afforded by Patrick Mahomes prodigious arm talent.
The Packers chose Eric Stokes with the 22nd pick in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft, hoping he could provide the same stability on the boundary at Lambeau that he provided throughout his career Between The Hedges. He’ll cut his teeth in training camp this summer against Madden 99-er Davante Adams and the reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Which former Georgia football players received the highest ratings? Some of the names on the list might surprise you.