John Madden will forever be known as one of the greatest coaches and broadcasters in NFL history.
Madden (right) at Cal Poly with teammate Pat Lovell (photo, Cal Poly SLO)
John Earl Madden was born on April 10th, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota. From an early age, he loved the game of football. After playing for Jefferson High School in Daly City, California, he attended Cal Poly and played on the Mustang football team.
Madden played well enough at Cal Poly to enter the 1958 NFL Draft. He was picked 244 in Round 21 by the Philadelphia Eagles. But Madden struggled to see playing time and became a practice squad member.
After Madden retired as a player, he began coaching. He was an assistant coach at Allan Hancock College, a junior college, located in Santa Maria, CA, where he also served as head coach, Then, Madden moved to San Diego State as Defensive Coordinator (1964-1966).
The irascible John Madden (photo, Football Scoop)
After a few seasons with the Aztecs, Madden shifted to the NFL, starting his pro career in 1967 as a linebackers coach with the Oakland Raiders. He went on to serve as head coach for a decade (1969-1978), guiding the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory in 1977.
Madden never had a losing season as the Raiders’ head coach. He finished his career with a 76% win rate (103-32-7)–the highest winning percentage in the modern NFL era.
Madden cemented his legacy as a color commentator with Pat Summerall. For his TV work, Madden won 16 sports Emmys. Then, beginning in 1988, Madden lent his voice and commentary to a video game series, John Madden Football, later to become Madden NFL. Among many other places, the very popular series became a staple at college frat houses and dorm halls across America.
John Madden had a lasting impact on the game, its players, and fans. He will be missed, but never, ever forgotten.
