The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of getting shafted when it comes to the player ratings on the EA Sports' Madden series. Well, it seems at least one Steelers' player will be getting the rating he deserves in this year's version of the video game.
A few months ago, we asked the question,
Madden Ratings
Thankfully, the Steelers' elite pass rusher, TJ Watt avoided the Madden Curse, by completely avoiding being the cover of the video game. I'm not big into superstitions, but the Madden Curse could very well be real. Former NFL stars who graced the cover in the past like Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Vince Young, Marshall Faulk, and Shaun Alexander all suffered injuries during the season they graced the well-known video game's cover. Even the Steelers' long-time rival and Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Ray Lewis opened the 2005 season breaking his wrist after being the cover athlete on EA Sports' Madden NFL 2005.
So, thankfully, Watt wasn't chosen to be the cover athlete of this year's version of the video game series. Instead, a proper tribute to the man who the video game is named after, John Madden will grace the cover and rightfully so!
The three cover options for the upcoming “Madden NFL 23.” (Washington Post illustration; EA Sports)
The Steelers' superstar outside linebacker, Watt, should receive a proper rating when the ratings officially launch beginning Monday, July 18th. Check out the official countdown here!
While, there's nothing official yet, with the obvious official countdown linked above, the ratings get "leaked" every year. The members of the elite "99 Club" have been leaked and the Steelers have a representative, even though it shouldn't be surprising!
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker T.J. Watt (#90) celebrates alongside Defensive Tackle Cameron Heyward (#97) and Linebacker Alex Highsmith (#56). CREDIT | NFL.com
Watt has been kicking down the door for a proper launch rating of the video game series since he came into the league in 2017. This year according to Madden Leaks, Watt is set to join guys like Patrick Mahomes, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Aaron Donald, and Myles Garrett in the elite club of the highest Madden rating a player can receive! We also know that offensive tackle Trent Williams was selected to the "99 club".
All 6 members of the Madden 23 99 Club. Officially leaked. #Madden23 #Madden #Chiefs #Raiders #Rams #Browns #Steelers pic.twitter.com/UBrGxNjcWs
— PSE NFL (@Madden23Leaks) May 30, 2022
If Watt is officially a member of the "99 club" in this iteration of the video game, it comes especially deserved! The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) put up astronomical numbers last season while tying Michael Strahan's record for most sacks in a season with 22.5! He also amassed 64 combined tackles (48 solos), 21 tackles for a loss, 39 QB hits, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 7 passes defended. Talk about a stat sheet stuffer!
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker T.J. Watt tackles Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen and forces a fumble on September 21, 2021. The Steelers beat the Bills 23-16. Jamie Germano, JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
For all of you edge rusher users out there, this is phenomenal news! Get ready to get after the opposing team's quarterback in EA Sports' Madden 23 with Watt!
What do yinz think about Watt being a member of the 99 club on Ea Sports' Madden 23? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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