EA Sports has been slow-releasing its ratings for the latest installment of its Madden video game franchise. These ratings are routinely met with criticism, but football fans can't help but discuss them. After Pittsburgh Steelers fans were blindsided by Minkah Fitzpatrick's overall rating, they received another rude awakening: T.J. Watt's ranking among edge rushers on Madden 25.
On July 31, Madden NFL 25 released their rankings of the top edge rushers in the NFL. T.J. Watt fell behind both Micah Parsons and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
Can't block these Top 10 Edge Rushers 😤#Madden25 Ratings ➡️ https://t.co/DGMKCwhDLY pic.twitter.com/fsNwmAldAY
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 31, 2024
A 97 overall rating on the most popular video game franchise in the business is still a very respectable score. However, Steelers fans are frustrated that Watt is third on the list. Watt shares his 97 overall rating with DPOY candidate Maxx Crosby and ranks one point higher than 2022 DPOY, Nick Bosa.
T.J. Watt doesn't need a top Madden rating for affirmation
In 2023, Watt led the NFL in sacks for the third time. In addition to earning 19.0 sacks, the All-Pro edge rusher compiled 68 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, three fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles, eight pass deflections, 36 quarterback hits, one interception, and a defensive touchdown, per Pro Football Reference.
But finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting while earning First-Team All-Pro honors for a fourth time wasn't enough to earn him the same rating on Madden 25 as Garrett or Parsons.
What's more frustrating when it comes to Watt and the popular video game franchise is that the Steelers star was robbed of ever joining the '99 Club'. This is an honor that was bestowed on Myles Garrett on Madden 24. Now entering his age-30 season, Watt may never see the legendary '99' overall rating.
Regardless of what Madden NFL 25 thinks, Watt is a remarkable player on a historic path. He will be one of the fastest players to ever reach 100 sacks and his resume (six Pro Bowls, four First-Team All-Pros, and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year) is good enough to reach the Hall of Fame -- even if he retired today.
More than a meaningless Madden rating, Watt is keeping his eyes on the prize as he intends to help the Steelers to their first playoff win since he joined the team in 2017. He can use the fact that he ranked lower than Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons on Madden 25 as added fuel for the 2025 season as if he needs it.