Patriots' Stephon Gilmore Joins Madden NFL 21 99 Club; Unboxes Gift on Video

After being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has joined the 99 club in Madden 21. 

The three-time Pro Bowler received his 99 club gift box from EA Sports to commemorate the announcement:

Gilmore joins Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs as the only players to receive the highest overall rating in this year's game.

The last cornerback to have a 99 overall rating at launch was Richard Sherman in Madden 15.

The inclusion of Gilmore in the 99 club continues an ascent that began at the start of last season. He had a 94 overall rating when Madden 20 launched last August, and he kept climbing over the year to finish with a 98 rating.

Gilmore is widely regarded as the best defensive back in the NFL. He led the league with 20 pass breakups and tied for the league lead with six interceptions last year to become the first secondary player to win Defensive Player of the Year since Troy Polamalu in 2010.

Madden NFL 21 will launch Aug. 28 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows.