Madden: ‘Football Is My Life. It’s Something I Say Proudly. But It’s Complicated’

RIP John Madden April 10, 1936-Dec. 28, 2021

NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service

UPDATED January 7, 2022: John Madden Memorial: “The Madden family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during the difficult time following John Madden's passing.

“There will be a public memorial service on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Oakland, California. Further details will be announced in the near future.”

December 28, 2021: "People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?" he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "I’m a coach, always been a coach."

Pro Football Hall of Fame Bio:

"Coaching isn’t work. It’s more than a job. It’s a way of life…no one should go into coaching unless he couldn’t live without it . . .

"Football is what I am. I didn’t go into it to make a living or because I enjoyed it. There is much more to it than just enjoying it. I am totally consumed by football, totally involved. I’m not into gardening . . . or any other hobbies. I don’t fish or hunt. I’m in football.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:

"Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. 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.''

Las Vegas Raiders:

“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden.

“Few individuals meant as much to the growth and popularity of professional football as Coach Madden, whose impact on the game both on and off the field was immeasurable.

“Hired as Head Coach of the Raiders by Al Davis at the age of just 32, Madden coached the Silver and Black for 10 seasons and compiled a remarkable 103-32-7 regular season record. From 1969-78, the Raiders posted winning records in each season, won seven division titles and qualified for the playoffs eight times.

Photo: Las Vegas Raiders“In 1976, Madden coached the Raiders to a 13-1 record and a 32-14 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, marking the franchise's first World Championship of Professional Football.

“As professional football grew in popularity and influence, Madden and his Silver and Black teams played a significant role in some of the AFL and NFL's seminal moments, including the 'Sea of Hands,' 'Immaculate Reception,' 'Holy Roller" and 'Ghost to the Post,' among others.

“Madden cemented his role as a football icon in the broadcast booth, serving as a leading color analyst for all four major television networks—CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC.

"His work on Monday Night Football, the inception of the annual All-Madden Team and his role in the Madden NFL series of video games made the Madden name synonymous with pro football.

“In 2006, Madden was presented for enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame by Al Davis, who opened his speech by calling Madden,  ‘A brilliant coach. A loyal and trusted friend. A Raider.’

“The thoughts and prayers of the Raider Nation are with Virginia, Joseph, Michael and the entire Madden family at this time.”

EA Sports Madden NFL:

“Today we lost a hero. John Madden was synonymous with the sport of football for more than 50 years.

“His knowledge of the game was second only to his love for it, and his appreciation for everyone that ever stepped on the gridiron.

“A humble champion, a willing teacher, and forever a coach.

“Our hearts and sympathies go out to John’s family, friends, and millions of fans. He will be greatly missed. Always remembered, and never forgotten.”

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones via the team:

"I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more."

Quotes From Fox Sports All Madden:

Photo: Pro Football HoF"You can’t write the history of professional football without John Madden.” — Former Raiders defensive lineman Howie Long

"When you look at John, you don’t mistake him for anybody else. You can see this guy a mile away.” — New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

"John Madden made me a better player. I was pretty good. He just made me better. Simple as that." — Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor

“The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.” —John Madden

“You got one guy going boom, one guy going whack, and one guy not getting in the end zone.” — John Madden

“The best way to gain more yards is advance the ball down the field from the line of scrimmage.” — John Madden

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

“Football is my life. It’s something I say proudly. But, it’s complicated.” — John Madden

John Madden’s Life Honored In All Madden

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