CLEVELAND — On the field, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is often so dominant that it can look like he's playing a video game.
So it's only fitting that when it comes to the video game version of the All-Pro defensive end, Garrett is as good as it gets.
With the Madden 23 video game one month away from its release, its developer, EA Sports, has begun to reveal the highly anticipated ratings for each player. And when it comes to edge rushers, Garrett tops the list, earning a 99 overall rating -- the highest rating possible in the game.
While he had earned a 99 rating via a midseason adjustment in last year's game -- he began the season as Madden 22's highest-rated defensive end with a 98 rating -- Garrett is now the first Browns player to start a season as a member of the coveted "99 Club." Thus far, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is the only other player to have been announced as a member of this year's "99 Club," with ratings for more positions set to be revealed throughout the week.
Garrett was informed of his inclusion in the 99 Club by Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith in a video that was posted to Madden's official Twitter account.
"It's about dang time I started out the season as one of the 99 members," Garrett says in the video. "I think that's the standard, to be able to be 99 or maybe if there's a level above, going and obtaining that. Just keep on reaching for more. Just excited to be a part of the group this time and just want to keep it going."
Selected out of Texas A&M with the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old Garrett is coming off his second consecutive All-Pro season and third career Pro Bowl selection. Appearing in 17 games during the 2021 season, he set a Browns single-season record with 16 sacks, including a franchise single-game record 4.5 sacks in a Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears.
