Pat Surtain II sends message to Madden after 99 club snub

Despite being the DPOY, Pat Surtain II is not the best defensive player in the NFL's official video game and that irks the Broncos star corner

BY JAKE SHAPIRO

Jul 30, 2025, 2:12 PM

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Despite being the best defensive player in football last year, Pat Surtain II will not be the best defensive player in the NFL’s official video game this year, Madden 26. And that irks the Denver Broncos star cornerback.

EA Sports, the makers of Madden, aren’t very high on the Broncos this year in general. They gave the Broncos a surprisingly lower rating than folks expected, and then came Surtain’s number. The game developers decided to give the nod to Cleveland’s Myles Garrett as the only defensive player in the 99 club. Garrett is joined by Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Lane Johnson, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.

“I just feel like, what else do I have to do at this point, but it adds a little bit more motivation and a chip on my shoulder,” Surtain told NFL Network. “Madden, I’m coming after you.”

#Broncos star CB Pat Surtain joins me and @ColleenWolfe on Inside Training Camp Live, discussing his team’s additions, the expectations and how he can surpass last year’s campaign. pic.twitter.com/5ifpJeMRvq

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2025

The 99 Club has officially been around since Madden NFL 20, and the Broncos are yet to have a player to join earn that nod. In the game’s history, which dates back to the late 1990s, Denver has only had four players get a 99. Mark Schlereth and Neil Smith both got the nod in Madden NFL 99, while Champ Bailey and Von Miller each received the honor three times. Shannon Sharpe was a part of the rare 100 Club in Madden NFL 99, an honor that EA stopped handing out after just two seasons.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is the only player in the history of the game to be a 100 overall multiple times.

The 25-year-old Surtain is heading into his fifth year in the NFL with the Broncos after improving in each of his first four seasons in the Mile High City.

This isn’t the first time this month that Surtain’s been disrespected, as he was ranked as the 27th-best player in the NFL by PFF recently, despite winning DPOY. There were nine defensive players ahead of him on that list. However, he was named as the best cornerback in the league by NFL scouts, coaches and executives, but a lot of other platforms have snubbed.

Aside from wanting to take his team to the next level, it might be good for Bronocs Country that Surtain has an extra bit of motivation, even coming off his finest season yet.

Madden 26 is scheduled to release on Aug. 14.