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Madden 18: Every NFL team’s best Madden player ever

By David Austin Bumpus

HOUSTON - DECEMBER 1: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes under pressure from Houston Texans J.J. Watt during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 1: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes under pressure from Houston Texans J.J. Watt during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 18: Derrick Brooks
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 18: Derrick Brooks /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a pretty dominant team in the early part of the 2000s, and even took home a Super Bowl win in a forgotten game against the Oakland Raiders. A big part of that title run was their incredible defense, and it all started with Derrick Brooks in their linebacking core.

Brooks was one of the league’s best linebackers during the early years of this millennium, and even could be called one of the greatest to ever play the game on the defensive side of the ball. With all of that hype, it’s not surprising that he’d also go down as one of the best ever in Madden history, as well.

The Buccaneers star took home a 99 overall rating in Madden NFL 2004, a year where many Madden fans forget about literally anyone that isn’t named Michael Vick. With Vick and the offensive side of the ball getting all of the spotlight in the game, Brooks was actually an underrated aspect of the game on defense.

With his ability to blow up any play at the blink of an eye, Brooks had a ton of talent in his video game form. He was a star when it came to stopping the run, and could also patrol the middle of the field for any crossing routes from receivers or for tight ends looking to be covered securely.

He’s become a popular player to use in Madden Ultimate Team recently, but it’s tough for any Buccaneers player to come close to the stats Brooks had in the 2004 edition of the game.