New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - JOHN MADDEN

How many of you remember that Madden actually was considered a "heel" in many circles, during his coaching days? Because 1. He coached the villainous Raiders and 2. He had a reputation as a hothead, with an explosive temper, always yelling down the refs. All the Darth Vader gear in Raider home games evolved from the reputation gained during Madden's reign.

A funny thing happened, after John Madden retired. He did that Light Beer commercial, where he burst through the sign, angry, protesting, and people saw him making fun of himself. You might not remember an ad he did for a hotel chain, entitled "What Makes John Madden Mad?" He would appear again, this time discussing lengthy check-in waits or no-hot-water showers, and again, you saw a lighter, self depreciating Madden, with that friendly voice. I think after a while, every time you saw him, you could expect him do to or say something funny-- and people really responded.

Without the Booms and Bams, I think his knowledge alone, and observations made Madden a stellar color-guy. The thing that I think, besides the telestrator, made JM beloved by American football fans, was the way he expressed his love for big fat sloppy sweaty muddy linemen, in lieu of the usual glory reserved for the backs & receivers. "Look at ol, _____ (huge, ugly lineman) and all that mud, and sweat, probably just blew a booger out. He anchors this ___ (team) line. He pushes that HUGE BUTT, and just bulldozes the running game. He's so HUGE, i'll be they have TWO Turkeys at Thanksgiving." "They cant move the ball on Big Dave Butz. He looks like he just ATE the ball." In a women's beauty pageant, this would be called "shaming," in football its called Love, and everyone loved Madden for this.

My biased personal observation is that Madden seemed to be the first color announcer for NFL games, who wasnt in Love with the Cowboys, or Miami, the 2 glitter teams of the early 80's, when he was settling in with tv.

I know nothing of video games, except that my GF's son, who lives in Sweden, and never watched an NFL game, knows who John Madden is.

I would say Madden was the John Candy of sports (very similar voice & delivery). People didnt love him DESPITE his size and homely look. They loved him partially BECAUSE he was big, fat, homely, and funny. And he happened to be a good player, great coach, and an outstanding color man,
as well as a good guy, by all accounts.

Here's a fav video moment. Polyester Pants, Middle aged body, and Bad Hair-- listen to Bill King describe, "Madden is on the field. He wants to know if its real. They tell him "yes, GET YOUR BIG BUTT OUTTA HERE."

I join the rest of the world in being quite sadder without John Madden.

Bill King - "The Holy Roller" - YouTube