John Madden

Date of Birth: April 10, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 28, 2021

Biography

John Earl Madden was an American football coach, sportscaster, and author who became an iconic figure in the world of sports entertainment. Born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, Madden grew up in Daly City, California, where he developed a passion for football. He played college football at Oregon, College of San Mateo, and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, but his playing career was cut short by a knee injury. Madden’s coaching career began at Allan Hancock College before he moved on to San Diego State University. In 1967, he joined the Oakland Raiders as a linebackers coach and quickly rose through the ranks to become the head coach in 1969. Under his leadership, the Raiders won Super Bowl XI in 1977. After retiring from coaching in 1978, Madden transitioned into broadcasting, where he became a beloved commentator for NFL games. His enthusiastic style and deep knowledge of the game endeared him to fans. Madden also lent his name to the highly successful Madden NFL video game series, which has become a cultural phenomenon. John Madden passed away on December 28, 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the sports and entertainment industries.

5 Interesting Facts about John Madden

1. John Madden never had a losing season during his tenure as head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

2. He won 16 Emmy Awards for his work as a sports commentator.

3. Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

4. The Madden NFL video game series has sold over 130 million copies worldwide.

5. He was known for his fear of flying, which led him to travel by bus for his broadcasting duties.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Madden

1. “The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.”

2. “Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.”

3. “Coaching isn’t work. It’s more than a job. It’s a way of life.”

4. “The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break.”

5. “Don’t worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagon.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

$200 million

Children

John Madden had two sons, Joseph Madden and Michael Madden. Both have pursued careers outside of football, maintaining a relatively private life compared to their famous father.