Coach John Madden passed away on Dec 28, 2021. He was a giant in more ways than one. How do you guys feel about him and his impact on the NFL, sports, and America?
For me, he came along as a broadcaster just when my team (Washington) started a great run playing in four Super Bowls and winning three in a ten year span from 1983-92. A lot of my best memories from those years came from watching and listening to John Madden and Pat Summerall as the broadcast team for numerous NFC East games involving Washington. I always loved his explanations for the guys he picked for his All-Madden team, of course, including many Washington football players. He was the friendly explainer of football to hardcore and casual fans. He was funny, genuine, and smart.
Just before taking the field and winning the Super Bowl in 1977 he told his team, the Oakland Raiders, "Don't worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagons," which still causes perplexed side-eyes from his old Raiders. But his closing line was clear enough: "Gentlemen, this is going to be the single biggest event in any of your lives -- as long as you win. Go get 'em."
For me, he came along as a broadcaster just when my team (Washington) started a great run playing in four Super Bowls and winning three in a ten year span from 1983-92. A lot of my best memories from those years came from watching and listening to John Madden and Pat Summerall as the broadcast team for numerous NFC East games involving Washington. I always loved his explanations for the guys he picked for his All-Madden team, of course, including many Washington football players. He was the friendly explainer of football to hardcore and casual fans. He was funny, genuine, and smart.
Just before taking the field and winning the Super Bowl in 1977 he told his team, the Oakland Raiders, "Don't worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagons," which still causes perplexed side-eyes from his old Raiders. But his closing line was clear enough: "Gentlemen, this is going to be the single biggest event in any of your lives -- as long as you win. Go get 'em."
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