Who Is John Madden? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Madden was born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota. He passed away on December 28, 2021, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the world of American football. As a remarkable coach, he led the Oakland Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI and later became an influential sports commentator, renowned for his engaging personality and insightful commentary. Madden transformed the way fans experience football, not only through his broadcasting but also via the popular 'Madden NFL' video game series, which continues to thrive today.
Occupation | Football Players |
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Date of Birth | April 10, 1936 |
Age | 85 Years |
Birth Place | Austin, Minnesota, U.S. |
Horoscope | Aries |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 28 December, 2021 |
Died Place | Pleasanton, California, U.S. |
Popularity
John Madden's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the time of his passing, John Madden was known for his robust frame, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm). While his exact weight fluctuated throughout his life, he was often described as having a heavyset build synonymous with his coaching era's physicality.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Madden was married to Virginia Madden, his college sweetheart, from 1959 until his death. The couple had two children, Joseph and Michael, both of whom followed in their father's footsteps in one way or another, either in sports or related fields. His family remained a crucial part of his life, often highlighting Madden's dedication to family values alongside his professional accomplishments.
His father, an auto mechanic, moved the Madden family to Daly City, California, located south of San Francisco, when John was young. John attended Catholic parochial school with John Robinson at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, graduating in 1950, and then Jefferson High School, graduating in 1954.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, John Madden's estimated net worth was around $200 million at the time of his passing, a testament to his successful career in football coaching, commentary, and business ventures. His earnings came not only from coaching and broadcasting but also from licensing deals related to the 'Madden NFL' video game, which turned into a multi-billion-dollar franchise.
Career, Business and Investments
John Madden's career began as a head coach for the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, where he achieved immense success, including a Super Bowl victory. Following his coaching career, Madden transitioned into broadcasting, where he became a household name with a career that spanned over three decades. His charismatic presence transformed NFL commentary and helped him become one of the highest-paid sportscasters in history.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Madden was also a savvy businessman. He invested in various ventures, including restaurants and a series of successful video games that carry his name, amplifying his impact on the sports industry.
On January 3, 1959, Madden played in the All-American Bowl in Tucson, Arizona, and was later praised by Lou Pavlovich of The Sporting News for his play in the showcase. In August 1959, he suffered an injury on his other knee in his first training camp, during an Eagles scrimmage, ending his playing career without having had an opportunity to play in a regulation game professionally.
Social Network
Although John Madden passed away, his legacy continues to live on through various social platforms and fan communities. He had a significant presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where sports enthusiasts celebrate his career and contributions to football history. Official accounts often share tributes to Madden, reflecting on his time as a coach and announcer, keeping his memory alive among football fans worldwide.
Madden joined CBS as a color commentator in 1979. After working lower-profile contests during his first years, he was elevated to CBS's top football broadcasting duo with Pat Summerall in 1981, replacing Tom Brookshier.
Prior to teaming with Summerall on CBS, Madden was paired with a variety of announcers, such as Bob Costas, Vin Scully, Dick Stockton, Frank Glieber, and Gary Bender. The team of Madden and Summerall would go on to call eight Super Bowls together.
Education
Madden attended the University of Oregon, where he played college football. He later transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in education. His educational background not only equipped him with knowledge about sports but also instilled values he used throughout his career, highlighting the importance of teaching and mentoring young athletes.
A football star in high school, Madden played one season at the College of San Mateo, in 1954, before he was given a football scholarship to the University of Oregon, studying pre-law, and playing football with childhood friend John Robinson. He was redshirted because of a knee injury and had a knee operation.