Tributes to former NFL coach John Madden, who died this week at the age of 85, have been pouring in on social media.
Madden’s cause of death is currently unknown, but the NFL issued a statement stating, “Earlier today we received the sad news that the great John Madden died unexpectedly this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.” At the time, he was 85 years old.”
“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added.
Aside from his incredible American Football career in which he coached the Oakland Raiders for ten seasons, he is also known as the face and name of the video game Madden NFL.
Why is Madden named after John Madden?
What is Madden NFL?
Madden NFL is an American football video game series developed for EA Sports.
It is the only NFL-affiliated video game and is available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and Windows.
Much like FIFA in the football world and NBA 2K for basketball lovers, a new version of the game is released every year.
The series began in 1988 under a different name, John Madden Football, and since then, 38 different versions have been released.
Why is it named after John Madden?
In 1984, EA founder Trip Hawkins approached John Madden and asked him to help develop and endorse a new NFL-based video game.
Trip needed John’s football expertise to make the game, and John Madden insisted that it be as realistic as possible.
He seemingly chose John Madden to be the name, face and knowledge behind the game because he was, and still is, one of the most iconic football coaches of all time.
John started coaching the Oakland Raiders, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders, in 1969, and held the position for 10 seasons until 1978.
In 1977, he helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl, and by 1984 when the video game was being produced, he was also a popular TV commentator whose personality was adored by millions.
John did the voice-overs for the game for many years and continued to be involved in its development right up until his death.
Madden NFL pays tribute to John Madden
Following his death, the official Instagram account for EA Sports’ Madden NFL has paid tribute to John Madden in a statement.
“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,” they wrote.
EA Sports continued: “A humble champion, a willing teacher, and a forever 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.”