John Maddens Surprise Connection to Tampa

Author Zito

December 30th, 2021 6:58 AM

The recent death of legendary Broadcaster John Madden is hitting everyone in different ways. Some remember him as Raiders Head Coach leading them to the Super Bowl. Some remember his time as a football Broadcaster entertaining millions of NFL Fans. A newer generation remembers him from the video games that have kept children locked into the series since its inception. John Madden will live on in spirit for years to come.

John Madden has one surprising connection to Tampa, Florida that we will forever hold and no one can take from us. When John Madden was announcing Super Bowl XLIII, he did something that would shock fans everywhere. He announced it would be his final sports broadcast. Tampa has had legendary broadcasters come and go, but none bigger than John Madden, and while he was at Raymond James Stadium, he dropped that bombshell. Tampa Bay got to host the late legend for his last and final broadcast.

Funny enough this final broadcast was also the first time we would see a new rookie that has taken that Tampa Bay Buc’s by storm. It was the first time Tom Brady would win a Superbowl.

5 Madden Facts For the Average NFL Fan

• Madden and his Childhood Friend Became Pro Football Coaches

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  Madden and his childhood friend were both head coaches of major NFL Teams. Madden was born in Minnesota but lived most of his childhood in California. He spent it with his friend John Robinson, who would become the head coach of the Rams. "We were going to play for the Yankees in the summer and the 49er’s in the winter," John spoke of his and Madden's childhood dreams. "We began to realize that maybe this fabulous career wasn't going to happen."

• His Injury Started His Legendary Career

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  Madden was never going to be a big star on the gridiron. He was 244th overall pick in the 1958 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. This was cut short however as a knee injury took him out during a rookie training camp. During his recovery time he watched hours of football footage. Only two years after being drafted he would be breaking into the coach’s territory. He led a extensive career being a defensive coordinator for several teams before being picked up by Al Davis for the Raiders. In 1969 Davis shook the NFL by making Madden his head coach.

• His Win Record is Still Untouched

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  Before he was that big name broadcaster the world came to know for his larger-than-life personality he was a head coach with an amazing record. Currently as a head coach Madden holds the highest win record of any football coach in NFL history with a win rate of .759. That’s correct he won over 75% of games he played. During his 10 seasons with the Raiders Madden led them to the playoffs 8 times. "They can never take it away from you," Madden said of his Super Bowl win. "Maybe the fact that we chased it so long made it bigger to us. It was the greatest feeling in the world. There's nothing that can beat it."
• A G.O.A.T meets a G.O.A.T

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  Tampa Bay is the current home of the GOAT Tom Brady and fittingly enough it was John Madden that commentated on the first of 7 Superbowl wins. His last broadcast wasn’t without controversy because Madden didn’t give Brady the credit he has now earned. Madden didn’t believe in the rookie Quarterback and when he commentated on the last drive of the game he suggested they go into overtime and win it there. Brady and the Pats shook the foundation playing through and winning. People were upset that Madden didn’t cut the rookie enough slack.

• Madden Refused to Fly

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  Madden was not one for flying. When he became the big time broadcaster that he was known for the networks had to come up with a solution to get him to the games. The worked a deal with Dolly Parton and was able to use her Tour Bus to transport him from game to game. He and the driver of the bus would good friends till the end.

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Author Zito

Category:

• Jeff Zito

Tags:

Florida,Football,NFL,Tampa,Tampa Bay,Tampa Bay Buccaneers