R.I.P. John Madden

John Madden, who coached the Oakland Raiders to the NFL Championship in Super Bowl XI and then went on to a long career as an NFL announcer over four networks, as well as lending his name and voice to the popular EA Sports Madden football video game series, died on December 28th, 2021. No cause of death was announced. Madden was 85.

Madden was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but injuries in training camp ended his NFL playing career before it started. He went on to coach college football before being hired as linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders in 1967. That season, the Raiders made it to Super Bowl II, losing to the Vince Lombardi coached Green Bay Packers. In 1969, Madden was elevated to head coach of the Raiders. His 1976 team finished 13-1 in the regular season, then beat New England and Pittsburgh to advance to Super Bowl XI. The Raiders beat the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 to take the championship.

Madden retired from coaching after the 1978 season, ending with a career record of 112-39-7 (including post season games). In 1979, he began his broadcast career with CBS, and eventually moved on to Fox Sports, Monday Night Football on ABC, and finally on Sunday Night Football on NBC. His final broadcast before retiring was Super Bowl XLIII on February 1st 2009. Madden was famous for not liking to fly, a difficulty for anyone covering sports across the country. At first, he took Amtrak, but with trains, one has to go when and where the train is going. The problem was solved with a customized bus, the Madden Cruiser, which allowed him to not only get to his assignments, but also gave him the opportunity to see the country.

Beginning in 1988, Madden became involved with the EA Sports video game that bears his name. It remains one of the most popular video games with each year’s edition eagerly anticipated. He remained involved in the game’s development for the rest of his life.