John Madden: A Name Synonymous with Football | A Football Life 

If ever there was a “football life” that encapsulates all of football, this is it.

I mean honestly, no one will ever think of the NFL without thinking about John Madden

Madden's most overlooked virtue: he made football FUN. He knew it was all about FUN. Too many analysts want to be taken seriously by analyzing the sport as if it were nuclear physics. Madden knew his credentials were so solid he didn't need to show off ... so he just had fun with it. And that made him the GOAT.

I’m a musician in Colorado and last summer I played his granddaughter’s wedding in Aspen. He was there. I didn’t bother trying to meet him because he seemed annoyed by it all, but I saw him, and you just don’t realize what a large man he was. HUGE. Even near the end. Everything about him says, “football”. He tipped every guy in the band an extra couple hundred bucks each. Legend.

What I will always remember about Mr. Madden is his humanity. In 1978 in a pre-season game against New England-Patriots WR Darryl Stingley was hit and paralyzed by Raider Jack Tatum. Mr. Madden rushed to the hospital after the game to see Mr. Stingley and was appalled by the fact that no one from the NE organization came to see Mr. Stingley or his family. He called the airport and demanded that the Patriot charter plane be held and then Patriots coach Chuck Fairbanks come to be with Mr. Stingley. Mr. Madden offered his home/car to Darryl Stingley's family and purchased clothes for Mr. Stingley's girlfriend who had no change of clothes. He visited Mr. Stingley in the hospital on a regular basis and helped to pay his medical bills when there was a problem with the insurance company and the Patriots organization to pay for it. Mr. Madden remained friends with Darryl Stingley right up until his passing. RIP Mr. Madden

Him talking at Summerall's funeral was incredibly powerful. Got dusty in here.

The look on Al Davis face as he's listening to Madden announce his resignation as Raiders coach shows how much he liked and respected this man and knew his value .

When Joe Buck said, "That, John Madden! and his dearly miss in the Game today" That line really hits hard now. RIP John Madden. We will forever miss you...BOOM!!!

This Man is the Pure Reason why Football Matters. John Madden is a true Legend

takes a special man to spend 50 years in America’s living room and never wear out his welcome. RIP Coach

I was a teenager in the 80s. Every sunday from September to December, every Thanksgiving Day, John Madden and Pat Summerall were THE announcers you wanted doing your team's games. No one else comes even close to how much they made a football game enjoyable. I miss hearing BOOM, DOINK and every other Maddenism. RIP John Madden. Football isn't the same without you

John Madden is the reason why most of us love the game. Greatest broadcaster in sports history

Coach, Innovator, Game-Changer, Turducken. John Madden is one of a kind and what a phenomenal legend. Farewell, John. You will be missed.

RIP coach. John Madden was many things and a hall of famer in every regard, but he will always be remembered as *COACH*

His son summed it up: He was in every sense of the word, he was intimate. He cared. About everything. We can all take a lesson like this from Madden’s playbook of life. Loved this tribute to him. Gone, but forever in our hearts.

The moments that were shown of John Madden being in the broadcasting booth with Pat Summerall brought back memories from my youth of seeing them together on Fox NFL Sunday. Together both NFL legends brought instant credibility to the Fox Network's coverage of NFL games.

Ice Cubes quote hit like a freight train. “People don’t say ‘I’m going to play video game football’ They say ‘I’m going to play Madden.’ And it blows my mind every year.”

Watched this with tears in my eyes. Ended up bawling at the end. RIP John Madden. You'll be dearly missed.

I haven’t watched a pro football game since they started kneeling during the national anthem, but I sure love these old videos. They bring back so many great memories. Thanks. 👍👍

A coach, broadcaster, and above all a legend.

Madden, the name and the game will live on forever…

RIP to the most influential person in football history you will always be remembered

You know growing up as a poor Houston kid from the hood with nothing every Sunday me and my father would sit down to watch football and listen to and watch John madden coach and broadcast football he made our lives better. I love you my father loves you we love you John madden Rest In Peace.

John Madden and Pat Summeral were one of the best broadcast duos of all time in all media. Football broadcasters nowadays couldn't carry their jocks!!!

R.I.P To the legend himself John Madden.

Being a kid and seeing my dad sit on the couch with a beer and mom in the kitchen cooking while pat and john we're announcing a niners vs cowboys game in the early 90s will forever be ingrained in my memories. That warm and fuzzing feeling we all got on turkey day football with pat and john announcing will never be replicated. I feel fortunate to have grown up with those moments.

As a Belgian I barely know anything about American football, but I know the name Madden. Now I know why he was a legend, and certainly will still be a legend in many hearts.

R.I.P JOHN MADDEN I SHED A TEAR AT THE END. THANK YOU FOR THE GAME MADDEN AND THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU. YOU ARE THE GOAT THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES... ALL MADDEN

Pat Summerall and John Madden were and are the best. Literally the sound of the NFL.

John: god, what can we say? 40 years of football, everyone who met John, played with, for or against John Madden, not a single negative word about him. Everyone who met him, know him or watched him, coach, announce or perform, all say John was always John. The same guy no, matter where or when. Rest In Peace

RIP to the man who made my childhood bearable with his iconic voice and blistering commentary an absolute legend.

When I think of John Madden,I think of Football! RIP John Madden.

Coach Madden’s words of wisdom that transcend all walks of life, regardless of what you do for a living: 10:19 “There is nothing that is worse than a phony… you won’t have any longevity. If you’re going to have longevity, you’d better be yourself. And you’d better be yourself every doggone day.” Madden’s three rules: 11:02 1. Don’t be late. 2. Pay attention. 3. Work hard when it’s time to work. #RIPJohnMadden

Long as there's American football, John Madden's name and contributions will never die RIP legend

One of the greatest NFL coaches of that era: John Madden - Oakland Raiders, Don Shula - Miami Dolphins, Tom Landry - Dallas Cowboys, Chuck Noll - Pittsburgh Steelers. All have been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

John IS football. There has been many legends that have helped make the game what it is today, but I think most would agree that nobody gave more for the sport and it's fans than the great John Madden. RIP John, your legacy will live on forever! 🙏

I love seeing how many people have come back to see this after he passed. He was a legend amongst broadcasters, leader of men on the gridiron, and a true man's man. He will be missed loved listening to him and Pat Summerall call games when I was younger.

The Greatest Coach that ever lived... The Man... The Legend... John Madden. Rest in Peace, Coach!

His passing made me cry. I’m 58 and my entire family was in front of the TV together every Sunday was football. My brother played, my daddy was into sports, so me and my sister are very knowledgeable about football. Rest Easy Mr Madden. 💕

John Madden embodies what pro football 🏈 is all about He made watching the game so much fun

Football was his baby. They forgot his acting. He was not only in commercials, but in The Replacements and Little Giants. Madden Award for Coach of the Year. RIP Coach Madden. He was truly the “every man.”

I love that. "I run to the left all the time." Well, stop it.

Daly City. My home town born and raised. John Madden did a lot for the High Schools in Daly City. May he Rest In Peace

" Show up on time...pay attention...play like hell when I tell ya" ..Man, I so miss John... RIP😢

Great way to encapsulate such a legendary football life in just 43 minutes.

“You jerk! You big jerk!” What a legend

R.I.P John Madden you always will be a legend and nobody can take that from you.

Football ain't the same without him! ✊🏿

A former offensive tackle and a former kicker combining to be the greatest commentator duo EVER ... Sundays still aren't the same Madden=Football and Football=Madden

He is the reason why I love the game of football so much. The sounds of boom, doink etc. will forever be ingrained in my childhood. Thank you for making my childhood memorable and for your enthusiasm and love for the game of football. RIP John Madden you are dearly missed by many

Pat Summeral & John Madden Are Still Calling NFL Football Games From The Heavens. RIP Pat & John.

This man was my childhood, teenage years, early adulthood to middle age, John Madden has been with me throughout my life and I thank him

I hope so badly the Raiders can get it done this week vs the Chargers and reach the Playoffs. That would be such a great way to remember his legacy. Hands down the best Raider ever!

"He got hit so hard he got up looking out his ear hole" -Jon Madden

That look on Al’s face at 25:25…that’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever seen him look. I think he knew what he was losing. To his enduring credit, he empowered Tom Flores and won two Super Bowls in the following five seasons but Madden was clearly his guy.

Him and Howard made football so enjoyable as kid!

I’m too young to really remember Mr. Madden as a coach, but he’s always been my favourite analysts because you could feel his love for the game, he never came off as anything but a genuine person, that took the game seriously but never took himself too seriously. The doinks, the booms, etc… always made me laugh seemed so non technical but ALWAYS the perfect expression. Thank you Mr. Madden a true honour to have been around to listen to you!! RIP, bet God is loving the stories!!

"Too Tall Jones ... he's a human helicopter with suitcase arms!" -- John Madden, CBS Sports

A Great and Real man. Who was true to himself. The voice of NFL.

John Madden we were so "damn lucky" to have you as our voice. There will never be another like you.

As a man in my 50’s I had the pleasure of watching Madden as a coach with those great Raider teams and as the greatest football commentator ever. He was also part of those iconic Lite Beer commercials. I miss him already. I’m sure you’re designing plays up there. Rest well.

One of my biggest inspirations that I learned football from. Rest In Peace legend.. Always here forever.. 🙏🏈

I'll always credit Madden and the Raiders for teaching me that you can never give up on a dream you have. They fought for like 6 or 7 years to get past the best teams in the AFC to win him a SB.

I watched all those playoff and championship games back in the 70s. John Madden and the Raiders were my team even though I live in Boston. I was so sad when he left coaching. But he continued to be great. RIP Mr. John Madden.

This truly is the final and hardest goodbye

“Madden NFL football, it’s IN THE GAME!” (My first memory of John Madden)

This special could have been 8 hours long for how much he contributed to the game of football and to the game of life. When he is asked at the end to define his legacy and says it is not up to him, that reflects another great point by Costas that he was unpretentious. For someone so beloved and successful for so long, that is maybe the most incredible thing of all. Rest in peace legend.

"Wearing a necktie on a plane that's never won a game" R.I.P. COACH thanks for the history and memories you'll be missed WE LOVE YOU COACH👍🏿🙏🏿

Rip to a legend he will be missed greatly 🕊

As a child, I tried to play Madden games. It was always confusing to me, so I watched my friends play them. Now that I am a man, I am proud to have witnessed the Madden games on Playstation 1 and Xbox. As an adult, I am proud to state I was able to witness his legendary broadcasting as well. I will def. buy the latest Madden game, eventually. Rest in peace to a true legendo: Mr. John Madden! I give my deepest condolences to his familía and friends.

the greatest coach the raiders have ever had and will ever have. the pirate in the raiders logo has a tear now. RIP coach, you are dearly missed.

Somewhere up there, Pat and John are calling all the legendary football games, Rest In Peace guys , you will always be remembered

Forever gonna be missed it truly feels like we have lost the world's coolest Grand Pa.

I was to the moon when my Dad brought home John Madden Football for SNES. I think I'll always remember that.

The GODFATHER of the GREATEST game in the world..you can't say Football without saying Madden.He IS FOOTBALL..RIP to the GOAT

Thank you NFL Films. John Madden broke the mold. I saw Jim Otto at Safeway at Christmas and then a few days later John is gone. What a great childhood rooting for the Raiders.

I just realized John Madden was the original Cool-Aid man..lmao Ohh Yeah

The Art Shell / Madden "don't be so sensitive" part... classic!

I’m from Australia. John maddens commentary taught me a lot about American football ……absolutely loved the man rip mr madden

I became a Raider Fan , in 1964. I saw them play the Houston Oilers, in a brand new Astrodome. Madden is one of the greatest Coaches , that ever lived. Much respect , to him. rest in Peace.

The most important man in football history. There will NEVER be another Madden. Rest peacefully John. We will miss you. But we'll never forget you.

I'll never forget Madden randomly circling stuff on the screen. During a stoppage in play in Super Bowl 26, he went on a long-winded explanation of the overhead in-stadium blimp that was recording the field of play below. He went on about how it was tethered and started circling the tethers, explaining how they hold the blimp up and move it around. He was analyzing it like it was part of the game. That was pure, unadulterated John Madden right there.

Wonderful tribute to The Coach who entertained us for years. RIP COACH.

No one will ever be able to personify the essence of the game like Coach Madden did. He could explain it and teach it like no one ever could. To know he had a masters and teaching credentials is no surprise Heck, you watch this and Coach will impart wisdom. RIP Coach Madden

I dont think ive ever seen someone say a single bad thing about madden, that dude seemed legit one of the dopest dudes rest in peace Red

John Madden....the greatest there ever was. Thanks for the memories. RIP

A great era for football, a great team, and a truly great man.

To call John Madden a legend would be an extreme understatement

John Madden is like the Michael Jordan for NFL. He brought it too a whole other level.

Incredible Life!!!! When you see his kids the love for their Dad, that says it all!!!

RIP John Madden (1936-2021)

Wow, I was 5 in '76. Grew up with John Madden. He was around football so long I took it for granted. When he left broadcasting it was noticeable I really missed him in the booth. He made it fun, or more fun anyway. What a cool guy who lived a great life.

I just cannot put into words how much this man helped in my life. The dude was a fantastic human being. There will never be another Madden, but he and his legacy will live forever. Not many famous people I have cried for, you are the exception. Whether it's in Madden, your last few years of Broadcasting, ill never forget Madden. You rest easy Coach, you are dearly missed by everyone.

It’s insane how many generations he touched. I’m 29 but football was my life and he raised me as well through his broadcasts. I’ve also never missed a Madden game. 23 is coming tonight let’s goooo. RIP LEGEND

Yo man, RIP John Madden. That dude is a legend, I never watched that many games with him commentating or coaching. But i know the name will be synonymous with the game of football for the rest of time.

I was born in 72. I'm an 80s kid so I grew up watching Madden and playing the first versions of the game. For me it's an end of an era. A piece of me passes with him. That part of my childhood, hell even most of my adult life was spent every Sunday listening to "WHAM....BOOM....POW UP THE GUT" and "THIS GUY BLOCKS HERE AND THIS GUY PULLS AND BLOCKS HERE AND THE RUNNING BACK WHAM HITS THE HOLE HERE" So iconic!!! He taught me so much about the game and was fun as hell to listen to!! Don't get me started on Thanksgiving!!! That's a whole other deal!! Well John, I'm gonna miss you!! Thanks for all the memories. I'll cherish them for the rest of my life. You brightened every Sunday no matter how bad things were! I know you did that for millions of Americans!! God bless you and rest easy on that big grid iron in the sky!! R.I.P. JOHN MADDEN

Miss you already, Mr. Madden. Hell of a life and hell of a run. Rest in peace.

He debuted Joe Montana. He debuted Tom Brady. He coached Ken Stabler. He watched Bob Griese,Terry Bradshaw, John Elway. R.I.P. Uncle John.

What a great guy. Just a genuinely good dude with a fantastic sense of humor and personality. A true original and an NFL legend through and through. This is probably my favorite episode of A Football Life

My mom gave me a VHS home movie from when I was maybe 2 years old or so. My mom was filming me, snuggling with my dad in a Lazy-boy recliner. In the background you can hear john madden call the chiefs vs jets on Monday night football... my dad is in prison now but John's voice reminds me of that VHS tape and it really brings me joy. God bless John madden