Tyreek Hill has brought the Miami Dolphins to a place they have never been before, at least virtually speaking. The All-Pro wide receiver is the first player in franchise history to be awarded a 99 rating in Madden NFL, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Hill receives this honor after recording 1,799 receiving yards (seventh-most ever in a single season), 119 catches and 13 touchdowns during the 2023-24 campaign. He is one of only five superstars to reach the 99 mark in the Madden NFL 25 video game, which is set to release on Aug. 16, and joins Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings as the only receivers to earn the elite rating this year.

Debates ensue ad nauseam over these type of things, but few will argue Hill's status as one of the biggest gamebreakers in the NFL today. His electric speed translates exceptionally well on Madden, as many fans rush to choose Miami for an online gaming battle. The man they call Cheetah should be thrilled to see his rating and proud to be the first Dolphins player to enter the 99 club.

Perhaps the Phins' Madden NFL breakthrough will coincide with one in the real football world this season.

Dolphins must move forward

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Chargers with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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It is an undeniably crucial year for the team, with pressure rising to noticeably high levels in South Beach. Assuming the New York Jets can protect Aaron Rodgers, the AFC East should be quite deep. Miami must nevertheless figure out a way to survive the division and earn a playoff berth.

But that will not be enough. The only acceptable outcome for the Dolphins will be a postseason victory. Tyreek Hill is integral to them achieving that essential task, and so too is newly extended quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The QB and WR must continue to display supreme chemistry if the team is going to rise above the competition.

The franchise is placing a heavy burden on Hill's shoulders, but the Super Bowl 54 champion just proved he could elevate the Dolphins to new heights. He will have to fully live up to the No. 99 rating if more milestones are going to be achieved on the field.