John Earl Madden (April 10, 1936 – December 28, 2021) was an American football coach and sports commentator in the NFL. He served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading them to eight playoff appearances, seven division titles, and their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XI.
Never having a losing season, Madden holds the highest winning percentage among NFL coaches with at least 100 games. He was also a color commentator from 1979 to 2009 and lent his name to the Madden NFL video game series.
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John Madden Net Worth
At the time of his death, John Madden had a net worth of $200 million. At the peak of his broadcasting career, Madden earned $8 million a year, roughly equivalent to $14 million today after adjusting for inflation. However, his wealth primarily came from the Madden NFL video game franchise, which has sold over 130 million copies since 1988.
In 2005, EA Sports signed a $300 million deal with the NFL and paid Madden $150 million to use his name and likeness in perpetuity, earning him $2 million per year until his retirement in 2009.
Early life
John Earl Madden was born in Austin, Minnesota, on April 10, 1936, to Earl Russell Madden (1905–1961) and Mary (née Flaherty) Madden (1917–2011). His father, an auto mechanic, moved the Madden family to Daly City, California, south of San Francisco, when John was young.
attended Catholic parochial school with John Robinson at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, graduating in 1950, then went on to Jefferson High School, graduating in 1954.
Career
A football star in high school, Madden played one season at the College of San Mateo in 1954 before receiving a scholarship to the University of Oregon, studying pre-law and playing football with childhood friend John Robinson.
After a knee injury, Madden attended Grays Harbor College and later Cal Poly, where he played both offense and defense from 1957 to 1958, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in education. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, Madden’s career ended with an injury during training camp in 1959.
Personal life
Madden met his wife, Virginia Fields, in a bar in Pismo Beach, California, and they married on December 26, 1959, at St. Mary of the Assumption in Santa Maria, California.
They settled in Pleasanton, California, and had two sons, Joseph and Michael. Joe played football at Brown University, and Mike attended Harvard University, starting as a receiver on the football team. Madden and Virginia celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just two days before his death.
Did John Madden ever win a Super Bowl?
John Madden won one Super Bowl during his 10 years as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. The victory came in the 1976 season when the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
Conclusion
John Madden’s journey from a football player and coach to a legendary sports broadcaster and the face of the “Madden NFL” video game series is a testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring influence. His legacy lives on, not only in the realms of football and broadcasting but also in the world of gaming.
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FAQs about John Madden’s Net Worth
- What contributed to John Madden’s net worth? Madden’s wealth stemmed from his NFL career, broadcasting roles, and significant earnings from the “Madden NFL” video game series.
- What was John Madden’s role in the “Madden NFL” video game series? Madden not only lent his name but also provided expertise and commentary, significantly shaping the game’s authenticity and appeal.
- Did John Madden have other business ventures? Yes, apart from football and gaming, Madden was involved in endorsements and writing, contributing to his net worth.
- How did John Madden’s career in broadcasting begin? After his coaching career, Madden transitioned to broadcasting, where his unique style and deep knowledge of the game made him a popular figure.
- What is the legacy of John Madden in the sports world? Madden’s legacy encompasses his successful NFL coaching career, his distinctive style and contributions in sports broadcasting, and his enduring impact in the world of gaming through the “Madden NFL” series.
