EA Sports has inducted the latest quintet of football legends into its Ring of Honor, putting them into Madden NFL 25 as player items with a rating of 99. It is a tradition for the publisher to add five athletes to the virtual Hall of Fame every iteration of the series, paying tribute to those who’ve “transcended the sport to become part of football’s cultural fabric.”

To get their image on one of these prestigious cards, athletes need to have performances that changed the way the game is played, memorable Madden NFL moments, inspiring leadership, and cultural impact beyond the field. Altogether, they should be players embodying coach John Madden’s principles.

The Ring of Honor class of Madden NFL 25 consists of the following athletes:

Madden NFL 05’s cover star, Ray Lewis, influenced the Hit Stick feature with his tackles and became the first defensive player on the series’ box. Lewis was selected for the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s and made a dozen Pro Bowls

A fellow member of the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s, Manning’s skills as a quarterback helped revolutionize the way the position is played in Madden NFL. His strategic approach to football influenced the developers’ take on realistic passing and offensive gameplay precision.

Remember Beast Mode? Marshawn Lynch’s sprints enhanced Madden’s running mechanics, making the game a lot more dynamic as a result. Outside of the game, he was selected for the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2010s and five Pro Bowls.

Joe Thomas set new standards and highlighted the vital importance of a consistent offensive line in the game. Having not missed a single start or offensive snap over the course of his career, he is another member of the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2010s and made it into the Pro Bowl for 10 consecutive seasons.

Finally, there is Sean Taylor. His aggressive safety play inspired new strategies in Madden, and the game continues to honor him through special tributes after his untimely death in 2007. Taylor managed two Pro Bowl selections and Washington Commanders retired No. 21 to keep his legacy alive.

Ring of Honor players are available through special challenges and sets in Madden NFL 25.