Eagles Star Lane Johnson OFFICIALLY Joins Madden 99 Club, Cementing Legacy as NFL’s Most Dominant and Respected Offensive Tackle

In the world of professional football, respect is earned—often in the trenches, where strength, intelligence, and consistency separate the great from the elite. On Tuesday, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson received one of the NFL’s most coveted signs of recognition: official induction into the Madden 99 Club.

With this honor, Johnson joins a rare brotherhood of players awarded a perfect 99 rating in EA Sports’ Madden NFL video game franchise, a distinction that signals total dominance at one’s position. For Johnson, it’s a long-overdue validation of a career defined by excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the game.

What Is the Madden 99 Club?

The Madden 99 Club is not just a number. In gaming circles and football fandom alike, it represents the highest level of respect. Each year, EA Sports awards the 99 overall rating to a select few players who have separated themselves from the pack with elite, game-changing performance. For years, players like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, Travis Kelce, and Davante Adams have been honored.

Now, Lane Johnson becomes the first offensive lineman in the 2025 edition of Madden to earn the honor, making history and shining a well-deserved spotlight on one of the game’s most underappreciated positions.

Johnson’s Journey to 99: A Career Built on Grit and Excellence

Lane Johnson’s path to football greatness has never been ordinary. A former quarterback and tight end turned offensive lineman at the University of Oklahoma, Johnson was selected fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. From the start, his athleticism and work ethic made him stand out among NFL tackles.

But it’s not just his physical tools that elevated him—it’s the combination of his technical mastery, football IQ, and emotional intensity that have turned him into one of the most feared and respected players in the league.

Over his 11-year NFL career, Johnson has:

• Earned multiple Pro Bowl selections

• Been named to multiple All-Pro teams

• Played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship run

• Anchored one of the league’s best offensive lines alongside Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata

• Gone over 1,000 consecutive pass-blocking snaps without surrendering a sack

And perhaps most impressively, he’s done all of this while battling through injuries, including high ankle sprains and groin tears, never compromising his performance or leadership.

Recognition at Last: What the 99 Rating Means

Johnson’s inclusion in the Madden 99 Club isn’t just a nod to his performance in the 2024 NFL season—it’s a career achievement award of sorts, acknowledging a decade of elite play at right tackle, a position often overshadowed by left tackles or skill position stars in media coverage and video game rankings.

For offensive linemen, accolades are few and far between. They don’t put up stats. They don’t make highlight reels. Yet they are essential to every successful team, and Johnson has long been the bedrock of the Eagles’ offensive identity.

“Lane Johnson being rated a 99 overall finally gives fans a visual, tangible representation of how dominant he is,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “He doesn’t just protect the quarterback—he sets the tone for our entire offense.”

EA Sports cited his elite blocking grades, unmatched consistency, and leadership qualities as the primary reasons for his 99 rating. In particular, Johnson’s performance against top edge rushers—neutralizing players like Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, and Nick Bosa—showed he belongs in the elite tier.

A Locker Room Leader and Fan Favorite

Lane Johnson’s impact goes far beyond the field. Inside the Eagles’ locker room, he is viewed as a vocal leader, mentor, and glue guy. Alongside center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, Johnson has helped build and maintain a culture of accountability and toughness in Philadelphia.

Off the field, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, bravely sharing his own battles with anxiety and depression. His openness helped destigmatize mental health issues in the NFL and inspired many fans and fellow players.

Philadelphia fans, known for their passion and unforgiving standards, have long embraced Johnson as one of their own. He plays with an edge, speaks with honesty, and never backs down from a challenge—traits that resonate deeply in the City of Brotherly Love.

Social media was quick to celebrate the news, with fans, teammates, and analysts all voicing their approval. “It’s about damn time,” tweeted Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. “Nobody better than Lane. He’s been a 99 in my book for years.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

While right tackles often fly under the radar, Johnson’s analytics speak volumes:

• 0 sacks allowed in the 2023 and 2024 regular seasons

• Pass block win rate consistently ranked in the top 3 among NFL tackles

• Run block grade above 85 per PFF for five straight seasons

• Penalty rate among the lowest at his position

• Career playoff record: 7–3, including a Super Bowl victory

In an era where edge rushers are more explosive and disruptive than ever, Lane Johnson’s ability to neutralize pressure off the right side has become a key strategic advantage for the Eagles.

EA Sports developers acknowledged that Johnson’s inclusion in the 99 Club was “unanimous” among their player evaluation team. “We’ve been watching his tape closely,” said Madden Ratings Adjustor Clint Oldenburg, himself a former NFL offensive lineman. “Lane Johnson does things at right tackle that are usually reserved for superheroes. He’s faster than most tight ends, stronger than most defensive ends, and smarter than almost everyone.”

What Comes Next for Johnson and the Eagles?

At 34 years old, Lane Johnson has nothing left to prove—but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down. He’s under contract with the Eagles through the 2026 season and remains fully committed to bringing another Super Bowl to Philadelphia. With Jalen Hurts entering the prime of his career and a roster stacked with young talent like DeVonta Smith, Jordan Davis, and Nakobe Dean, the Eagles remain firmly in their championship window.

Johnson’s Madden 99 rating also offers some extra juice for the locker room, as younger players now have tangible proof that excellence is not only seen—it’s rewarded.

“You don’t get to 99 by accident,” Johnson said during the Madden reveal event. “It’s the result of thousands of hours, reps, failures, and comebacks. It’s an honor, but it also motivates me to keep going.”

In addition to his on-field goals, Johnson has begun laying the groundwork for a future in coaching, broadcasting, or even entrepreneurship. He recently launched a personal brand centered around mental toughness and trench warfare, and has appeared on podcasts with notable NFL personalities like Taylor Lewan and Chris Long.

Lane Johnson’s induction into the Madden 99 Club is more than a ratings boost—it’s a moment of overdue celebration for one of the game’s true giants. In a league that often rewards flash over substance, Johnson has proven that sustained excellence, grit, and leadership still matter.

He’s not just the best right tackle in football—he’s a walking blueprint for how the position should be played. And now, with the golden 99 next to his name, everyone from casual fans to hardcore gamers will see what Eagles fans have known for years: