Remembering John Madden, impacted millions and will be forever missed
Madden ‘23 was released last week
John Madden passed away earlier this year’s, I am giving a fan perspective on the football icon loss and what “Madden” meant to me.
Earlier this year the world learned that Hall of Fame coach and football icon, John Madden passed away at the age of 85. Seeing the news of Madden passing come across my Twitter timeline came as a shock despite his age. Madden has been a big part of my football life since 1992, from video games, commercials to the actual NFL games on the field.
With the release of Madden ‘23, it had me thinking of the legendary head coach. Remembering all the games he called, including the Patriots first Super Bowl win and the endless hours I played his video games.
Love him or hate him, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement on Madden’s passing was an amazing compliment.
“He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others,” Goodell said. “There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”
Madden ‘92
I was first introduced to Madden when I was nine-years-old. Like most kids, I had the 16-bit Sega Genesis and one of the games I had was John Madden Football ’92.
Madden ’92 was simple, there was no NFL or NFLPA license so the teams in the game were only listed by cities and team colors. As a Patriots fan, they weren’t a good team in the game. But no matter the team you could select, I would pound the run and shoot offense.
One of my favorite parts of the game, while I should preface this in saying, I don’t like to see players get hurt, was the Ambulance. When a player got injured during the game an ambulance would come out collect the player off the field. Once cool part was when the ambulance drove away, it would run over the other players. Again, I don’t condone this but as nine-year-old at the time, this cracked up.
Madden video game series
The John Madden football video games turned into the popular Madden video games fans know and love today. Growing up, Madden’s video games were a staple for me especially playing the Franchise mode. His video games would bring us fans closer to the action that ever before.
Fans all across the globe has played countless hours of his video games since early 90’s. Allowing the average fan to build Super Bowl winning teams on the digital gridiron.
The Madden video games have given us truck sticks, amazing soundtracks and debates over players ratings in the game. If you don’t remember, Zach Triner of the Buccaneers held the lowest rating ever, 23 overall. Ouch.
Equally important was the announcement of who was going to be on the Madden cover each year. Madden 2001 was the first year he wasn’t on the cover, that honor went to Titans’ running back Eddie George.
John Madden and Super Bowl XXXVI
Patriots fan remember Super Bowl XXXVI like it was yesterday. It’s the year the Patriots won their first ever Super Bowl. That game is a moment forever etched in my memory. It’s one of those you’ll always remember what you were doing, where you were moments in my sports fandom life.
Madden and his longtime play-by-play partner Pat Summerall called Super Bowl XXXVI. The underdog Patriots shot out to a 14-3 lead by the half. During that memorable game, Madden provided commentary that will be etched in Patriots Super Bowl lore.
Before the half, Tom Brady connected with the late David Patten in the back of the end zone. During the broadcast, Madden commented and said that Brady found “the perfect spot” with the pass to Patten.
With the game tied at 17-17 and 1:37 remaining on the play clock, Madden commented on what he would have done with the football because the Patriots had a rookie quarterback in Brady.
“With no timeouts, I think that the Patriots, with this field position, you have to just run the clock out,” Madden said. “You have to play for overtime now. I don’t think you want to force anything here. You don’t want to do anything stupid because you have no timeouts and you’re backed up.”
Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick would disagree and he allowed Brady to drive the ball down the field to set up Adam Vinateri’s game winning field goal.
“This is amazing,” Madden said. “This is something, and I will admit as a coach and as an analyst, I don’t think they should have done. But they had the guts, they have a young quarterback and they did it. They were backed up inside their own 20-yard line and had no timeouts left. They’re calling these plays, and not only calling these plays but making these plays. At some point, when you’re in the Super Bowl, you have to let it all hang out, and I’ll say this — Charlie Weis and this Patriots team, they are letting it all hang out.”
“I’ll tell you, what Tom Brady just did, gives me goosebumps,” added Madden.
Rest easy, John Madden
Madden will forever leave a lasting impact on the game and the NFL. The coaching legend, broadcasting icon was beloved by football fans all across the globe.
As a fan, I am thankful for this legend, I’m thankful for the video games and Madden’s voice every Sunday until he left the booth. There will never be another Madden, his legacy will never be duplicated.
Once again, rest easy, John Madden. You’ll be forever missed.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
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