John Madden Biography: NFL Legend, Age, Net Worth, Coaching Career, Video Games, Height, Family, Legacy

John Earl Madden was a legendary American football coach, broadcaster, and video game icon, known for his successful coaching career in the NFL and his long tenure as a color commentator.

He became widely recognized for his work as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 1976.

After retiring from coaching, Madden became a household name as a broadcaster and the face of the Madden NFL video game franchise, cementing his place in both sports and pop culture.

Profile

• Full Name: John Earl Madden
• Stage Name: John Madden
• Born: April 10, 1936
• Died: December 28, 2021
• Age: 85 years old
• Birthplace: Austin, Minnesota, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former NFL coach, broadcaster, video game icon
• Height: 1.93 m
• Parents: Earl Madden and Mary Madden
• Siblings: None known
• Spouse: Virginia Madden (married in 1959–2021)
• Children: Joseph Madden, Michael Madden
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $200 million

Early Life and Education

John Earl Madden was born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, to Earl and Mary Madden.

He was the eldest of three children, with two sisters named Delores and Judy.

John attended Catholic Parochial School in Daly City, California, before graduating from Jefferson High School in 1954. He briefly attended the College of San Mateo before receiving a football scholarship to the University of Oregon.

Madden later transferred to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1961.

During his time at Cal Poly, he was an active participant in both football and baseball. Madden is of American ethnicity, and while his religious affiliation was not widely publicized, he was raised in a Catholic family.

Career

Madden’s coaching career began in 1967 when he joined the Oakland Raiders as a linebackers coach.

His breakthrough came in 1969 when, at just 32 years old, he became the head coach of the Raiders, making him the youngest head coach in NFL history at the time.

Under his leadership, the Raiders became a dominant force in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 1976. Madden’s coaching style was marked by his passion for the game and his ability to motivate players.

He led the Raiders to a 103-32-7 record and became one of the most respected coaches in the league.

After retiring from coaching in 1978 due to health concerns, Madden transitioned into broadcasting.

He became an iconic commentator for NFL games, known for his enthusiastic and insightful commentary, as well as his ability to explain complex plays in a relatable way.

His partnership with Pat Summerall on the CBS, Fox, and later NBC networks made him a household name. Madden’s voice became synonymous with NFL broadcasts for over 30 years, and he won 16 Sports Emmy Awards for his broadcasting work.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Madden became a cultural icon through the Madden NFL video game series.

Launched in 1988, the game revolutionized sports video games and became one of the best-selling franchises in video game history.

Madden’s involvement in the game made him a lasting figure in popular culture, and the franchise remains a staple in sports gaming today. Madden’s influence extended far beyond coaching, as he became a symbol of football itself.

Social Media

John Madden does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

John Madden married Virginia “Ginger” Madden in 1959, and the couple remained together for over 60 years until his death in 2021.

They had two sons, Joseph and Michael. Madden lived a private life outside of the spotlight, though his long marriage and family life were well-known.

Madden was also known for his charitable work, including his support of children’s hospitals and various educational initiatives.

Net Worth

John Madden’s net worth was estimated at around $200 million, at the time of his death in December 2021.

His wealth came from his successful coaching career, lucrative broadcasting contracts, and the massive success of the Madden NFL video game series, which continues to generate revenue annually.

Madden was also involved in various endorsement deals, making him one of the wealthiest personalities in sports history.