Chad Johnson comes through for Ja'Marr Chase and Bengals history is made as a result

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 5:47 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't satisfied with a 97 overall launch rating when Madden NFL 26 drops next month, and he made sure to let former Bengals wideout and current Madden ratings adjustor Chad Johnson know about it last week.

"If he doesn't [fix it], I'm going to be mad at him," Chase said during his press conference last Thursday.

Well, he's not a 97 anymore. He's a 99, and he's the first Bengals player to ever grace the highest-possible rating an active player can receive in the video game franchise.

All thanks to Johnson.

Chad Johnson comes through with Ja'Marr Chase's 99 Madden rating

Upon Madden announcing the news of Chase joining six other players in the 99 club, Cincinnati released a video revealing how the 25-year old found out about the news: a video message from Johnson himself.

"I'm here to tell you you're already there. You've arrived. The 99 club. Right now," Johnson said in his message, played in front of Chase and other receivers on the team.

Tee Higgins then presented Chase with a diamond 99-chain necklace, courtesy of Madden and EA Sports.

1-800-CALL-CHAD.@EAMaddenNFL x #MADDEN26 x @Real10jayy__ pic.twitter.com/vAo2Xe6FWK
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 28, 2025

It's an honor of which Chase is more than worthy. He is the reigning triple crown winner and made his fourth Pro Bowl and first All-Pro team as well. Even if the 2024 Bengals didn't make the playoffs, he more than proved himself as one of the very best players in the game.

Madden ratings obviously aren't based entirely on production and accolades, and Chase checks the attributes boxes as well. His speed, acceleration, and strength all justify his 99 rating when the game launches in August.

It's now up to Chase to maintain that rating when the season begins in less than six weeks.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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