John Madden (1936

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Biography

John Earl Madden was an American professional football coach and sports commentator in the National Football League (NFL). He served as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading them to eight playoff appearances, seven division titles, seven AFL/AFC Championship Game appearances, and the franchise's first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XI. Never having a losing season, Madden holds the highest winning percentage among NFL head coaches who coached at least 100 games. He is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time.

Timeline

The story of John Madden, told in moments.

1969 Event

Named head coach of the Oakland Raiders at 32. Youngest coach in the AFL at the time. His teams never had a losing season. Won Super Bowl XI in 1977.

What was it like being the youngest coach in the AFL at 32? How did you keep the Raiders from ever having a losing season? Was the Super Bowl a relief or a celebration?

1979 Life

Retired from coaching at 42 due to burnout and a bleeding ulcer. Moved into broadcasting. His excitable style, telestrator circles, and six-legged turkey became television staples for three decades.

Was retiring at 42 surrendering or surviving? Did the telestrator feel natural from the start? How did a bleeding ulcer lead to three decades on television?

1988 Event

Lent his name and expertise to John Madden Football, which became the Madden NFL franchise. It sold over 250 million copies across three decades. He approved every game personally.

Did you know the video game would outlast everything else? What does it mean that 250 million copies carry your name? Was approving every game personally exhausting or essential?

2021 Death

Died unexpectedly the morning after Christmas. Age 85. He'd avoided flying his entire broadcasting career, traveling the country in a custom bus called the Madden Cruiser.

Why did you never fly your entire broadcasting career? Was the Madden Cruiser freedom or a prison on wheels? Did dying the day after Christmas feel like timing or coincidence?

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