John Madden, who was an NFL coach and a broadcaster for four different networks, died yesterday at his home in Pleasanton, California at age 85.
John Earl Madden was born in Austin, Minnesota to Earl Madden and the former Mary Flaherty. During his childhood, his family moved to Daly City, California. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Daly City in 1954. The following fall, he played football at the College of San Mateo, and was given a scholarship by the University of Oregon. He injured a knee while at Oregon, and was redshirted. He returned academically to the College of San Mateo, and later transferred to Grays Harbor College, where he resumed playing. He finally transferred to Cal Poly, where he played football and baseball, and graduated academically. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, but injured his other knee. As a result, he never had to the chance to play professionally. His main position was offensive tackle.
Madden started his coaching career as an assistant at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, soon afterwards becoming its head football coach. He became defensive coordinator at San Diego State, and later the linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders of the NFL. The Raiders promoted him to head coach in 1969. He held the job until 1978, compiling a record of 103-32-7.
Madden worked as a TV sports broadcaster for CBS (1979-1993), Fox (1994-2001), ABC (2002-2005) and NBC (2006-2008). His other work included radio and TV commercials; cameos in music videos; and lending his name, voice, and personality to the Madden NFL series of video games. Known for his aversion to flying, he became a frequent customer with Amtrak and Greyhound.
Madden is survived by his wife Virginia, and their sons Joseph and Michael.
Read more at Sports Illustrated, CNN, CBS Sports, ESPN and Yahoo Sports.
No comments:
Post a Comment