Not just the best or the best of the best, but the best of the best of the best.
"Madden" and its long-standing tradition of giving the NFL's best the highest possible rating continues with the next game, scheduled to release Aug. 20. But the invitations for the extremely exclusive 99 club have already begun.
Packers wide receiver Davante Adams was named the first member of the 2022 club on July 26, with more announcements for players expected this week. Adams wasn't named to the pre-season 99 club last year, but finished the year at a 99 overall in the game.
MORE: 'Madden 22' ratings tracker
Adams is coming off a tremendous year with the Packers: The wideout snagged 18 touchdowns and 1,374 yards with Green Bay last year, perhaps one of this last in Wisconsin; the two sides recently broke off contract extension talks heading into the 2021 season, and he'll be a free agent after the year.
Well, at least Adams has a club he'll always be part of.
Here are the initial members of this year's 99 overall club:
Madden 22 99 club
Davante Adams, Packers
Davante Adams was the first member announced for "Madden 22's" 99 Club on Monday, July 26.
Another #99Club for @tae15adams 👏 @Packers | #Madden22 pic.twitter.com/EBDCu9EF3C
— Madden NFL 22 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 26, 2021
Adams was named a member of the 99 Club in last year's edition of the game, but he wasn't a preseason member. Instead, he was added in December after reaching a 99 overall in-season rating.