Maybe it was the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award for September or his place on PFF’s first-quarter All-Pro Team that pushed him over the top, but if you needed any further confirmation that Khalil Mack is absolutely ridiculous, here it is:
Khalil Mack joins the 99 club in the latest Madden NFL 19 roster update. Here’s the current Madden 99 club. pic.twitter.com/sNhLi5VFac
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) October 4, 2018
There are times when a player’s video game rating and real-life value to a football team aren’t on the same level. That isn’t the case here. Nor should it be. Mack is a superstar and is finally rated as one. It’s been a while since the Bears have had someone worth playing with in a video game, but I sure would love to rush the passer with No. 52 coming off the edge. This almost makes me want to run to the store, pick up Madden, and get down to business. I suppose some time with video games could help bridge the gap between now and when the Bears kick off against the Dolphins next week.
Joining the 99 rating club for Madden NFL ’19 is nothing to sneeze at, as there are just six members of this prestigious group … and none of them play quarterback. Go figure. The only other pass-rusher with this elite rating is Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, so this is the highest praise a player can get (at least in the virtual world).
Mack probably has his eyes on bigger prizes – such as a second Defensive Player of the Year award, MVP bid, and a Super Bowl ring – but it’s still good to see greatness recognized at this level. Even if it’s just a game.