NFL Fans Shocked as 3-Time Super Bowl Champ Gets Lower Madden 26 Rating Than Joe Burrow — ‘What Were They Thinking?

When Madden 26 ratings dropped earlier this week, fans across the country rushed to social media to compare their favorite players’ numbers. As always, the release sparked plenty of debate. But one particular rating stood out — and it wasn’t for the reasons EA Sports probably expected. A 3-time Super Bowl champion found himself ranked below Joe Burrow, the star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, and NFL fans were quick to voice their outrage. The moment the numbers went public, the question on everyone’s mind was clear: “What were they thinking?”

The Madden Ratings Controversy

Each year, Madden player ratings generate heated discussions among fans, analysts, and even players themselves. They have become more than just numbers in a video game — they represent a public evaluation of a player’s performance, skill, and value in the league. This year, however, the gap between a proven 3-time Super Bowl winner and a younger star who has yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy has become the centerpiece of a brewing controversy.

The 3-time champion, widely considered one of the most clutch performers of his generation, received a surprisingly low overall rating. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow, despite his injury struggles and playoff disappointments in recent seasons, was rated several points higher. This discrepancy has left many wondering whether the Madden ratings team prioritizes potential and popularity over actual career accomplishments.

The Shock Factor

For long-time fans of the game, seeing a veteran with multiple championships get overlooked in favor of a player with significantly fewer accolades feels like an insult. Social media erupted almost instantly after the ratings were released. Many fans posted side-by-side comparisons of the two players’ career stats, questioning how someone who has consistently delivered in high-stakes games could be rated lower than a quarterback whose postseason success is still limited.

The outrage is understandable. In a league where winning is everything, championships are often used as the ultimate measuring stick. And yet, in Madden 26, the player who has done it all — leading his team to the ultimate prize not once, not twice, but three times — finds himself ranked behind someone who has yet to achieve the same level of success.

Joe Burrow’s Popularity and Madden Bias

It’s no secret that Joe Burrow has become one of the most marketable faces in the NFL. His swagger, confidence, and leadership have made him a fan favorite, especially among younger audiences. Burrow’s popularity extends beyond the football field, making him an attractive player for Madden to highlight. But popularity does not always equate to proven greatness, especially in a league as demanding as the NFL.

Some critics believe this is a classic example of recency bias. Burrow, despite missing significant time due to injuries, remains a high-profile figure who brings excitement to the game. Meanwhile, the veteran champion — who may not dominate social media or have the same flashy persona — quietly continues to contribute to his team’s success. For hardcore football purists, this feels like a slap in the face to players who let their performance speak louder than their personal brand.

The Value of Championships in Player Evaluations

When discussing player rankings, the importance of Super Bowl victories cannot be overstated. Championships are the single most definitive measure of success in the NFL. A player who has proven his ability to win on the biggest stage not once, but three times, deserves recognition that reflects his career accomplishments. Yet, in Madden 26, this critical factor seems to have been overshadowed by other considerations.

This raises an important question: Should video game ratings reflect career achievements or current performance potential? For some, the answer is simple — if you’ve won multiple Super Bowls, your rating should reflect the fact that you are a proven champion. Others argue that Madden ratings are designed to represent a player’s current abilities, not their resume. Still, the inconsistency in how this logic is applied continues to frustrate fans.

Fan Reactions: Outrage and Confusion

Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and sports forums, fans are expressing their disappointment. Comments such as “This is pure disrespect,” “How does a 3-time champ get ranked below Burrow?” and “EA has completely lost touch” have become common. Many are even calling for a re-evaluation of the ratings, demanding that the veteran champion’s score be adjusted to better reflect his accomplishments.

Some supporters of Burrow, however, argue that the rating gap reflects his potential and skill level rather than his accolades. They point to Burrow’s elite passing ability, football IQ, and his role in transforming the Bengals franchise as justification for his higher rating. But for those who believe that “winning matters most,” the defense rings hollow.

The Madden Ratings Process Under Scrutiny

EA Sports has long claimed that its Madden ratings team uses a combination of advanced analytics, film study, and expert input to determine player scores. However, the backlash this year has reignited a familiar debate about the transparency and fairness of the process. How much weight is given to career achievements? How do they balance individual talent with team success? And perhaps most importantly, how do they ensure that their ratings remain objective rather than swayed by public perception and player popularity?

Former players and analysts have also chimed in, with some suggesting that the process is too heavily influenced by off-field narratives. Others have argued that the ratings team may be prioritizing younger stars to appeal to the game’s target demographic, which skews younger and more engaged with social media.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Madden?

The controversy highlights a larger issue within the Madden franchise — a disconnect between what fans expect and what they receive. To many, the game should be a reflection of real football, where championship pedigree and consistent performance carry significant weight. Instead, it often feels like a popularity contest, rewarding players with big personalities and media appeal while undervaluing those whose greatness lies in their quiet consistency.

This isn’t the first time Madden has faced backlash over its ratings, and it certainly won’t be the last. But the current uproar feels different because it underscores a philosophical divide about what player ratings should represent. Are they meant to capture a player’s entire body of work, or are they simply a snapshot of current ability and marketability? Until EA Sports addresses these questions, expect these debates to continue.

The Players’ Perspective

Interestingly, the players themselves often take these ratings personally. In previous years, athletes have publicly voiced their frustration with Madden, using the ratings as motivation to prove doubters wrong. It wouldn’t be surprising if both the veteran champion and Joe Burrow respond to the latest release — either with playful banter or by using it as fuel heading into the season.

For the 3-time Super Bowl champ, the lower rating may serve as a reminder that his legacy is not always fully appreciated by the broader football community. For Burrow, it adds pressure to live up to the lofty expectations that come with such a high rating.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on these two quarterbacks. If the veteran continues to perform at a championship level, fans will likely demand that EA Sports correct his rating in future updates. Meanwhile, Burrow must prove that his high rating is justified by leading his team deep into the playoffs — or even to the Super Bowl itself.

Ultimately, this debate reflects a simple truth: fans care deeply about fairness in how players are represented, even in a video game. When those numbers don’t seem to align with reality, the backlash will be swift and loud.

Final Thoughts

The Madden 26 ratings release has once again proven that these numbers are more than just pixels on a screen — they represent respect, recognition, and validation in the eyes of players and fans alike. While Joe Burrow is undeniably a rising star with incredible talent, the decision to rank him higher than a 3-time Super Bowl champion has left many scratching their heads. Until EA Sports provides more transparency or makes adjustments, the debate will continue: What were they thinking?