MUT is the abbreviation for Madden Ultimate Team, Madden's online card-collecting and team-building mode. Players assemble squads from digital player cards, then use those lineups in challenges, seasons, head-to-head matches, and other competitive or solo activities.
The mode combines sports simulation with collectible-card mechanics. Users can earn or acquire packs containing players, coaches, uniforms, and other items, then improve their roster through rewards, sets, auctions, and online play. The available cards and programs change throughout the real NFL season, keeping the mode active beyond standard exhibition or Franchise games.
Madden Ultimate Team first appeared in Madden NFL 10, initially becoming available through downloadable content in January 2010. “MUT” is pronounced like the word “mutt” and is the standard shorthand used by EA and the player community. FUT, by contrast, refers to EA's association-football mode, FIFA Ultimate Team, while Madden's mode is specifically MUT.