John Earl Madden one of the top contributors in NFL history from his time as head coach of the Oakland Raiders (now in Las Vegas) died Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
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John Madden was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League for ten seasons, and helmed them to a championship victory in Super Bowl XI.
After retiring from coaching, John Madden served as a color commentator for NFL telecasts until 2009.
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Born on April 10, 1936 in Austin, Minnesota, John Madden had his first NFL inclusion when he was selected in the 1958 Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 21st round (244th overall), however, in his first training camp he suffered a knee injury that prevented him from playing one game as a pro offensive lineman.
After several coaching jobs at the collegiate level, John Madden received his first NFL opportunity as linebackers coach by Raiders owner Al Davis in 1967.
Following the resignation of John Rauch, Madden was named head coach of the team on February 4, 1969 at the age of 32, becoming the youngest to hold that position in all of professional soccer.
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