Michael Thomas Joins 99 Club in Madden 21

The former Buckeye was the best wide receiver in the NFL last season

From second round pick to the best receiver in the NFL? That is what Madden 21 has to say about former Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas.

Throughout the week, Madden 21 has released their ratings of the top players in the NFL by position ahead of Electronic Arts’ popular football video game that is scheduled to be released on August 25. Included in their unveiling of the rankings were five players rated “99,” the maximum rating in the game.

Thomas, who will enter his fifth season with the New Orleans Saints, joined Aaron Donald, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Mahomes, and Christian McCaffrey as the other players to be tabbed as a 99-level player. Thomas’ ranking has him atop the NFL at the receiver position for the 2020 season.

99 in real life, 99 on the game... @Cantguardmike 😏#99Club #Madden21 pic.twitter.com/IyqGa18lMj

— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 17, 2020

In last year’s edition of Madden NFL, Thomas was rated a 98 despite leading the NFL in receptions with 125 the year prior, which earned him his first ever First-Team All-Pro recognition. Just before Christmas, Thomas’ rating was increased to 99, following a 12-reception afternoon against the Tennessee Titans. He passed Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison for most catches in a single season (143) by hauling in 145 passes through 15 weeks.

As a result of his early career success, the former Buckeye signed a 5-year, $96.25 million contract before the 2019 season. Thomas proceeded to finish the 2019 season with a record 149 receptions and a career high 1,725 receiving yards, leading him to officially be inducted to Madden’s 99 club for this upcoming season. He was named the 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, joining Jerry Rice as the only wide receivers to ever win the award.

In three years at Ohio State, Thomas caught 113 passes for 1,602 yards in 39 games played which led him to being drafted by the Saints in 2016 at 47 overall. He was a key part of the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship team.

Thomas is the only former Buckeye to receive a 99 rating in 20 years. 

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