Justin Jefferson Joins Elite Company

Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a catch against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Superstar Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to find himself among the elites. In more ways than one.

As he prepares to enter his sixth year in the NFL, he already is making a name for himself among the top wideouts in the league. Now, he can add another honor to his already impressive trophy case.

Superstar Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to find himself among the elites. In more ways than one.

In an announcement from earlier this week, Jefferson is one of seven lucky players to receive a prestigious honor. Being a part of the 99 overall rating club in Madden NFL 26.

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota wide receiver J. Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Looking at Jefferson’s career, it’s hard to see why he shouldn’t be part of this elite group.

So, what has Justin Jefferson done to deserve this sort of honor? And who is joining him as part of the 99 overall club in this year’s game? Let’s take a closer look at the stats and the group.

Justin Jefferson: An Elite Wide Receiver

His Career Stats

2024 was a nice rebound season for Mr. Jefferson after injuries bothered him during the 2023 campaign. All told, Justin tallied 103 catches for 1,533 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. (Well, it tied a career high, matching touchdowns in 2021 and 2024.)

Overall, through his first five seasons, Justin Jefferson has racked up 495 catches for a very impressive 7,432 yards and 40 touchdowns.

That puts him already fourth on the franchise leaderboard in receiving yards, and only 204 behind Anthony Carter. His 495 receptions rank him fifth in Vikings history, and it’s a pretty safe assumption that he will be able to leap into the top three by season’s end. (He needs three catches to tie tight end Steve Jordan for fourth place. Likewise, 39 receptions will tie him with Adam Thielen for third all time.)

Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota wide receiver J. Jefferson (18) gestures to fans while leaving the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

And Justin Jefferson’s 40 touchdowns put him at seventh place on the all-time Vikings receiving list. The next man he is chasing on the list is tight end Kyle Rudolph, with 48.

Now, Jefferson is no stranger to the 99 overall club in the Madden NFL franchise. In fact, this is the third consecutive season in which J Jettas is a part of the exclusive group. Here are the other six members who will complete the group:

Madden NFL 26 99 Overall Club

Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, it’s no surprise that Lamar Jackson finds himself in the 99 overall club. This is also the second straight year that Lamar finds himself among the elites in the game.

Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

What can be said about Justin Jefferson that hasn’t already been said? His catching abilities, his viewpoint from the fans, his incredible numbers. Man. It would be a travesty not to put Justin Jefferson in.

Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Sep 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports.

If a reigning league MVP isn’t a part of the 99 overall club, there may be an issue. This year, that’s not the case. Coming off his first career Most Valuable Player, Buffalo Bills stud quarterback Josh Allen finally joins the superstar 99 group. He came oh so close in 25. Now, he finally has that off his mind.

Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

Justin Jefferson’s teammate at Louisiana State University is also not a surprise, and the first time he joins the group. Ja’Marr Chase achieved a historic feat in 2024, leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17).

Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

A key anchor at the right tackle position since 2013, Lane Johnson finally cracks the 99 club in his 13th season. He, like another player about to be mentioned, was one of the key pieces behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run last season.

Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after his touchdown run against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the cover athlete for the game finds himself in the 99 club. Saquon won the Offensive Player of the Year in his first year in Philly. Will he be able to avoid the Madden curse?

Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Cleveland Browns

For the third time in his career, Cleveland Browns superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett finds himself in the 99 club. He opened Madden 22 and Madden 23 at 99 overall. And with an average of just under 13 sacks a year over his first eight seasons, it’s hard to see why he shouldn’t be in the running.

So that is the complete list of the Madden 26 99 overall club. And it is no surprise that Justin Jefferson is back in after the dominance he put forth last year. Now, the ratings will fluctuate throughout the season. But if Jefferson can continue to assert himself as an elite wideout, he’ll be in the 99 club for years to come.