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John Madden’s 10 best quotes: NFL legend talks Tom Brady, Troy Aikman and turduckens



John Madden, one of the most ubiquitous names in football over the last six decades, died Tuesday at the age of 85.

A certain generation knows him best as the voice of the popular “Madden NFL” video-game franchise, but Madden also made an enormous impact as a Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster. After serving as the head coach of the Raiders for 10 seasons (1969-1978), a run that included a win in Super Bowl XI, Madden became known for his use of the telestrator and ability to bring an Everyman sensibility to the broadcast booth.

MORE: Sports world reacts to death of John Madden

Football fans grew to love the sound of Madden’s famous “Boom!” calls during NFL games, but he dropped plenty of other gems throughout his life. And a lot of them had nothing to do with football.

Here are some of the best quotes from Madden’s career.

1. John Madden on buckets

Madden, along with play-by-play announcer Pat Summerall, were calling a game in the 1980s near the advent of the Gatorade shower. The tradition was three years old, and a third bucket had been added to a team’s sideline. That prompted Madden to refer to the three buckets as a family and diagram which bucket would get poured on which player.

2. John Madden on Troy Aikman’s (lack of) facial hair

Aikman was a few years into his career at this point, but that didn’t stop him from being subjected to a few jokes from Madden. Notably, Madden poked fun at Aikman’s inability to grow a beard and helped him out by drawing one on his face during the broadcast.

3. John Madden on this bug

Madden was a master at personification. During a game in which a bug landed on the camera, Madden took the time to pay homage to the bug and gave us insight into what the bug might’ve been thinking.

4. John Madden on body heat

Ever the teacher, Madden didn’t just impart football wisdom to the viewing public. He also gave fans a biology lesson, letting them know how heat escapes from the body after former Cowboys guard Nate Newton took off his helmet.

MORE: How John Madden started NFL’s Turkey Leg tradition

5. John Madden on the turducken

Madden helped start a tradition of NFL players being awarded with turkey legs after performing well on Thanksgiving Day games. But it’s clear where Madden’s true avian passions lied — with the turducken, a combination turkey, chicken and duck.

6. John Madden on Tom Brady

Playing in Super Bowl XXXVI, Tom Brady was leading the Patriots on a late drive against the Rams. Brady got the Pats into field-goal range, and Adam Vinatieri drilled the kick to give New England a 20-17 win. It was Brady’s first Super Bowl victory, and his heroics elicited major praise from Madden.

7. John Madden on being a Packers fan

ESPN contributor J.A. Adande compiled a thread of some his favorite “Maddenisms” through the years, and while there are many great options, Madden’s thoughts on Green Bay certainly stand out.

8. John Madden on getting into coaching

Madden never took himself too seriously. This is the perfect example of how he could be hilariously self-deprecating.

BENDER: John Madden made NFL fun for every generation

9. John Madden and Pat Summerall in ‘The Replacements’

In addition to his broadcasting career, Madden also cut his teeth as an actor and had roles in several football-related movies, including “The Replacements.” It may not be a singular quote, but this exchange is too good not to share.

10. John Madden on his fear of flying

Madden, who notoriously hated flying, opted to travel the country by bus. Madden noted that traveling by bus, in addition to helping with his claustrophobia, allowed him to slow down and really see more things.





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