Who is John Madden: Football Career, Broadcasting Legend and Net Worth
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| John Earl Madden (April 10, 1936 – December 28, 2021) was an American professional football coach and sports commentator in the National Football League (NFL). |
Known as a legendary coach, broadcaster, and larger-than-life personality, Madden left an indelible mark on the NFL and pop culture. Whether it was his innovative coaching, his memorable commentary, or his association with the Madden NFL video game franchise, Madden’s influence transcended the gridiron.
Beyond football, he’s famously connected to the "turducken," a layered turkey-duck-chicken roast that became a Thanksgiving favorite thanks to his passionate promotion during broadcasts. In this article, we’ll explore John Madden’s biography, career highlights, his role in popularizing turducken, and his estimated net worth.
Early Life and Biography
Childhood and Education
John Earl Madden was born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, and grew up in Daly City, California, near San Francisco. Madden’s father was an auto mechanic, and the family lived modestly. From a young age, Madden showed a keen interest in sports, particularly football.
He attended Jefferson High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. After high school, Madden played football at San Mateo Junior College before transferring to the University of Oregon. Injuries derailed his playing career, but his passion for the game pushed him toward coaching.
Football Career
Playing Career
Although Madden was drafted in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, a knee injury during training camp ended his dreams of playing professionally. This setback became a turning point that led him to coaching.
Coaching Career
John Madden began coaching at the collegiate level before joining the NFL as a linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders in 1967. In 1969, at the age of 32, he was promoted to head coach, making him one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history.
Coaching Achievements
- Super Bowl XI Champion (1976): Madden led the Raiders to a 32–14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, securing his place among the NFL’s elite coaches.
- Consistent Success: Madden never had a losing season during his 10-year tenure as head coach (1969–1978), boasting a career record of 103–32–7.
- Win Percentage: His winning percentage of .759 remains one of the highest in NFL history for coaches with over 100 games.
Madden retired from coaching in 1979 due to health issues but left a legacy of innovation, passion, and excellence on the sidelines.
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| Madden called 20 Thanksgiving games over the years in his own inimitable style, which led to him winning 14 Sports Emmy Awards. |
Broadcasting Legend
After retiring, Madden transitioned to broadcasting, where his larger-than-life personality and deep knowledge of football made him a fan favorite. Over three decades, he worked for major networks, including CBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC.
Why Madden Stood Out
- Relatable Style: Madden broke down complex plays in a way that anyone could understand, using his famous "booms" and "whacks" to emphasize key moments.
- The Telestrator: He popularized the use of the telestrator, a tool for illustrating plays on the screen, which became a staple of modern football broadcasts.
- Thanksgiving Tradition: Madden’s Thanksgiving Day broadcasts became legendary, featuring his beloved "turducken" as a quirky centerpiece.
Madden retired from broadcasting in 2009, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in sports commentary.
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| This Thursday’s games will part of the “John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration” for another year, with a number of Madden-related tributes planned by the NFL. |
John Madden and Turducken
What Is Turducken?
Turducken is a unique culinary creation that consists of a deboned chicken stuffed inside a deboned duck, which is then stuffed inside a deboned turkey. Layers of stuffing are placed between each bird for added flavor.
Madden’s Role in Turducken’s Popularity
John Madden discovered turducken during a game broadcast in New Orleans in the late 1990s. He instantly fell in love with the dish and began talking about it during his Thanksgiving broadcasts. Madden’s enthusiasm turned turducken into a Thanksgiving phenomenon, with viewers eager to try the dish for themselves.
He famously awarded turduckens to standout players in Thanksgiving games, further cementing its association with football and the holiday.
| John Madden: the NFL’s Mr Thanksgiving Madden called 20 Thanksgiving games over the years in his own inimitable style, which led to him winning 14 Sports Emmy Awards. To mark the occasion, the Minnesota native awarded a turkey, or a turducken, a dish he helped popularize, to the team that won the game he was commentating on, as well as turkey legs to the the player that impressed him the most. Following his death in December 2021, NBC have since continued the latter tradition in his honour. |
Madden NFL Video Game Franchise
In 1988, John Madden partnered with Electronic Arts (EA) to create the Madden NFL video game franchise. Initially reluctant, Madden insisted on making the game as realistic as possible, focusing on strategy and simulation.
The Impact of Madden NFL
- Cultural Icon: Madden NFL has become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, with over 150 million copies sold.
- Educational Tool: Many players and fans credit the game with teaching them about football strategies and play-calling.
- Legacy: Madden’s name on the game ensured his influence on football extended to younger generations.
Even after his death in 2021, the franchise remains a cornerstone of football culture.
Honors and Achievements
John Madden received numerous accolades throughout his life:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006): Inducted for his outstanding coaching career.
- 16 Emmy Awards: For his exceptional work as a broadcaster.
- All-Madden Team: Madden created this honorary team to celebrate tough, hard-nosed players he admired.
- Thanksgiving Legacy: His association with Thanksgiving football games and the turducken became a beloved tradition.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2021, John Madden’s estimated net worth was around $200 million. His wealth came from multiple streams, including:
- Coaching Salary: His successful coaching career with the Raiders.
- Broadcasting: High-profile contracts with top networks like Fox and NBC.
- Madden NFL Franchise: His partnership with EA generated substantial royalties and licensing fees, reportedly earning him $150 million alone from the video game franchise.
Personal Life
John Madden married Virginia Fields in 1959, and they remained together for over 60 years until his death. The couple had two sons, Michael and Joseph, who have pursued careers outside of football. Madden was known for his fear of flying, which led him to travel the country in his customized "Madden Cruiser" bus.
FAQs
1. When was John Madden born?
John Madden was born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota.
2. What is John Madden’s coaching record?
Madden’s career coaching record is 103–32–7, with a winning percentage of .759.
3. Why did John Madden retire from coaching?
Madden retired in 1979 due to health concerns, including stress and ulcers.
4. What is John Madden’s connection to turducken?
Madden popularized turducken during his Thanksgiving football broadcasts, making it a staple of the holiday.
5. How many Emmy Awards did John Madden win?
He won 16 Emmy Awards for his work as a football analyst.
6. What is the Madden NFL video game?
The Madden NFL franchise is a popular football video game series created by EA Sports, known for its realistic gameplay and strategy.
7. Was John Madden inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
8. How much did John Madden earn from the Madden NFL franchise?
Madden reportedly earned around $150 million from licensing and royalties associated with the video game series.
9. What was John Madden’s net worth?
At the time of his passing, Madden’s estimated net worth was $200 million.
10. When did John Madden pass away?
John Madden passed away on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
Conclusion
John Madden’s legacy is unmatched in the world of football. As a coach, broadcaster, and video game pioneer, he brought unparalleled passion and knowledge to the sport. Beyond football, his love for turducken and Thanksgiving traditions showcased his warm, down-to-earth personality.
Even after his passing, Madden’s influence continues to be felt in sports, gaming, and American culture, ensuring his name remains synonymous with football greatness for generations to come.
