Three way tie (well maybe little edge to '05 at the time all of them were released):
1. The first year, I can't recall when any more.
1. The first year of franchise mode, guessing it was what the other guy said '99
1. My favorite so far (for the time it was released) was 2005. This was better then 2k5 for me.
Some what OT:
As a side note, once all of these additional player ratings were added to the game (all working would be nice

) it is hard to go back. To me, it really really adds a lot because it creates difference other then basically speed and a rating or two difference between one player an another. Basically, if you had a QB with 99 THP and 99 THA with 99 AWR they were all the same (other then speed), which I can't stand. Hoping to add this year this list and be the first real year where I can FEEL the difference from one player to another.