Team Captains are the on-field leaders of the team. These are the players that set the tone and overall culture of your club. Madden 23’s Madden Ultimate Team allows you to unlock four unique players. You can only select one Team Captain at a time, but you can exchange them at any point. All the Team Captains have an 85 OVR, however, their attributes differs.
Below are the players available for selection as Team Captain, how to unlock them and the best captains to select in Madden 23.
4. Eric Allen (CB)
Best Attributes: 84 Acceleration, 84 Jump, 84 Man Coverage
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Position: CB
Eric Allen played 217 games, had 494 total tackles, and recorded 54 interceptions for 826 yards and eight touchdowns during his illustrious NFL career. The Eagles Hall of Famer is tied at 21 for most interceptions in NFL history and shares the NFL season record with four interceptions returned for a touchdown, more commonly known as a “pick-six.”
After winning the Rose Bowl championship with the Arizona State Sun Devils in 1987, Allen was selected as a First-Team All-Pro in 1989. The 5’10” cornerback is a six-time Pro Bowler, in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995.
Having a strong secondary is key in MUT to combat mostly pass-heavy opponents, which is why Eric Allen is arguably the best player to select for Team Captain.
Challenges
Requirements
- Don’t allow more than 30 yards in the first quarter
Bonus
- Don’t allow more than 10 yards in four plays
Reward
- Team Captains Fantasy Pack
- 100 MUT coins for two stars
3. Keyshawn Johnson (WR)
Best Attributes: 85 Catch in Traffic, 84 Catch, 85 Short Route Running
Team: New York Jets
Position: WR
Superbowl XXXVII Champion Keyshawn Johnson caught 512 passes in his first 100 games, had 814 receptions in his career, 10,571 receiving yards, 64 touchdowns, and averaged 13.0 yards per reception. In 1996, he was the first Wide Receiver selected number one overall in the NFL Draft since Irving Fryar in 1984.
The former 6’4” legend was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times, twice with the New York Jets in 1998 and 1999, and once in 2001 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2008 for leading the USC Trojans to victory over Texas Tech in the 1995 Cotton Bowl Classic.
Wide receivers are usually thought of as dependent position players, but modern-day offenses have made the passing game a priority. Johnson’s great hands and athleticism make him a great selection for Team Captain to lead your receiving corps.
Challenges
Requirements
- Pass for 50+ yards in the first quarter
Bonus
- Score a passing TD
Reward
- 100 MUT coins for one star
- 200 MUT coins for two stars
2. Larry Csonka (FB)
Best Attributes: 85 Awareness, 85, Trucking, 84 Break Tackle
Team: Miami Dolphins
Position: FB
Larry Csonka was integral to the perfect 17-0 season for the Miami Dolphins in 1972. The fullback played 146 games with 8,081 yards and 64 touchdowns, averaging 55.3 rushing yards per game during his career.
The 1987 Pro Football Hall of Famer is a two-time Super Bowl champion, having won Super Bowls VII and VIII with the Dolphins in 1973 and 1974. He made the All-Pro Team three times and is a five-time Pro Bowler due to his phenomenal performances for the Dolphins under legendary head coach Don Shula.
Although the fullback position is not as important as it once was, Csonka can add value as Team Captain by providing solid blindside blocking on passing plays, and as an occasional receiver and third-down power back.
Challenges
Requirements
- Score a rushing TD
Bonus
- Rush for 30+ yards in the first quarter
Reward
- 100 MUT coins for one star
- 200 MUT coins for two stars
1. Sam Adams (DT)
Best Attributes: 85 Strength, 85 Power Move, 85 Impact Blocking
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Position: DT
Sam Adams is the best Team Captain in MUT 23. The Superbowl XXXV Champion played for six different teams (Seattle, Baltimore, Oakland, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Denver) and was a key leader on defense for all of them. He played 206 games, recorded 398 total tackles, 44 sacks, and three interceptions during his pro career.
He was selected as a First-Team All-Pro in 2001 for his dominant defensive performances for the Baltimore Ravens, and is a three-time Pro Bowler (2000, 2001, and 2004). The 6”3” Houston native is a great choice for Team Captain if you are looking to win the game in the trenches. Having a powerful defensive tackle will help put pressure on the quarterback as well as stifle the run.
Challenges
Requirements
- Get a first down in the first quarter
Bonus
- Don’t allow more than 40 yards this drive
Reward
- 100 MUT coins for one star
- 200 MUT coins for two stars
Upgrading your Team Captains
All Team Captains start with an overall rating of 85. Training points and upgrade tokens are needed for upgrading. You will earn two upgrade tokens by completing team captain challenges and reaching Tier 4. Training points are earned by completing solo challenges and quick-selling players on your roster. All Team Captains max out at a 99 OVR rating. You can also switch Team Captains as your roster needs change. Remove the upgrade tokens from the current Team Captain and use a Team Captain Exchange to receive a Team Captain Fantasy Pack and pick one of the other four available players.
There’s your overview of how to unlock, pick, and upgrade Team Captains in Madden 23’s Ultimate Team. As always, take your roster and your personal playing style to determine the best fit for you.
