Colorado native earns a 99 rating in new ‘Madden’ game, but no Broncos

EA Sports has unveiled the Madden NFL 27 99 Club, and while no Denver Broncos made the cut, Colorado is still being represented by one of its own.

Six players earned the coveted perfect 99 overall rating: Myles Garrett, Josh Allen, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Matthew Stafford, Ja’Marr Chase and the pride of Fort Morgan, Colorado — Trey McBride.

McBride, the Arizona Cardinals’ star tight end, is the only player at his position to earn the honor. And he earned every bit of it. The former Colorado State standout is coming off the best season of his NFL career, hauling in 126 receptions for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting a single-season record for receptions by a tight end.

Among all pass catchers in 2025, McBride trailed only Puka Nacua in receptions and ranked third in total targets.

Trey McBride set the single-season TE receptions record.

Now, he’s a 99 OVR in #Madden27 @AZCardinals @mcbtrey pic.twitter.com/ZdjDLKVcaz

— Madden NFL 27 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 27, 2026

Before dominating the NFL, McBride was a standout at Colorado State, where he recorded 2,011 yards and nine touchdowns during his three seasons with the Rams. He was named Mountain West Player of the Year and earned USBWA All-America Honorable Mention, paving the way for his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

While a case could certainly be made to induct Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II into the 99 Club, the rating has eluded him once again. The exclusive club has rarely featured Denver players. The only Broncos to ever receive a 99 overall rating are Mark Schlereth and Neil Smith in Madden 99, Champ Bailey in Madden 05, 07, and 08, and most recently Von Miller in Madden 17, 18, and 19.

Still, Colorado can claim one of this year’s six elite players. McBride’s journey from Greeley to Fort Collins to the top of the NFL’s tight end rankings, and now Madden’s highest honor, is a testament to homegrown talent making it on the biggest stage.

Madden NFL 27 is set to release on August 13.

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