Lasting Legacy of John Madden: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by John Madden—a timeline of influence.

John Madden was a highly successful American football coach and commentator. As head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969-1978, he achieved a remarkable record, never experiencing a losing season and boasting the highest winning percentage among NFL coaches with at least 100 games coached. He led the Raiders to eight playoff appearances, seven division titles, and a Super Bowl XI victory. Madden holds the record for the most wins as head coach in Raiders history with 103 wins. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

2002: Stopped Announcing Thanksgiving Day Games

In 2002, John Madden stopped announcing the Thanksgiving Day games after he moved to ABC, but the tradition continued.

2009: Madden's Broadcasting Retirement

In 2009, despite retiring as a broadcaster, John Madden continued to lend his name and provide creative input to the Madden NFL series.

2012: Madden views the game as an educational tool

In 2012, John Madden stated that Madden NFL was "a way for people to learn the game [of football] and participate in the game at a pretty sophisticated level".

2015: Galloping Gobbler Presented Through 2015

Through 2015, Fox, CBS, and the NFL Network (and later NBC) presented the Galloping Gobbler to the game's "Most Valuable" player during Thanksgiving Day games.

December 25, 2021: Fox presents All Madden Documentary

On December 25, 2021, the Fox network presented All Madden, a documentary highlighting John Madden's rise to stardom as an NFL coach and broadcaster.

2021: Continued legacy until death

Until his death in 2021, John Madden was better known as the face of Madden NFL to contemporary football fans than as a Super Bowl-winning coach and broadcaster.

June 1, 2022: Madden NFL 23 to feature Madden on the cover

On Madden Day, June 1, 2022, it was announced that all editions of Madden NFL 23 would feature John Madden on the cover in tribute of his legacy.

October 2022: Donation towards new football facility

In October 2022, Cal Poly and the Madden family announced that John Madden had donated a leading contribution toward a total $30-million football facility on the Cal Poly campus.

2022: NFL Honors Madden Every Thanksgiving

Beginning in 2022, the NFL honors John Madden every Thanksgiving. The entire tripleheader of games was dubbed the "John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration."