All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was one of four players to receive a 99 overall rating, the highest possible score for a "Madden" player. He explained that being among the best players in the video game would mean more to his kids than making the NFL All-Pro team, which he accomplished during the past two seasons.
Several NFL teams captured their player's reactions when their "Madden" ratings were revealed, leading to a fun mix of responses. Players for the Jets, Falcons, Eagles, Bucs, Browns, Bears and more were asked to guess each others ratings and rate their own skills.
"Madden I been playing this game since 2001, since 2001 I've been playing this damn game. If you disrespect me, we're going to have some issues," Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks said before finding out about his 87 rating.
Even Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who's 96 overall rating ranks second among quarterbacks, got in on the fun to try and get a better speed rating in this year's "Madden."
A recent TV special and inside report from ESPN explained how the team at Electronic Arts decides on the "Madden" ratings, and also offered a look at how players respond to their results.