OT: John Madden passed today at 85

[Ghost]

I’m old enough to remember him as a hated coach of the Raiders. But I came to love him as a broadcaster and I’ve read a couple of his books. What a character. He most definitely loved the NFL. RIP Mr. Madden!

[crushedspirit]

Sad news

R.I.P. Mr John Madden

[Terrapin]

Damn. RIP. I'll always remember those turduckens on Thanksgiving days

[Moonie]

I’m old enough to remember him as a hated coach of the Raiders. But I came to love him as a broadcaster and I’ve read a couple of his books. What a character. He most definitely loved the NFL. RIP Mr. Madden!

I was going to post the same. Youngsters here won't grasp how much Steelers fans hated that guy when he was coaching the Raiders. But its like he became an entirely different person once he became a broadcaster - always funny to listen to, and he obviously loved the game.

[Starlifter]

I hope he’s in heaven and I really hope the first thing God says to him is: the ball never hit the ground.

[Buzz]

I hope he’s in heaven and I really hope the first thing God says to him is: the ball never hit the ground.

Now that's funny

[hawaiiansteel]

I hope he’s in heaven and I really hope the first thing God says to him is: the ball never hit the ground.

good one!

[T.Ferguson]

Madden would actually say some pretty weird stuff during games, I don't think even Pat Summerall knew what he was talking about half the time lol.

His win percentage was pretty nuts, especially in that era going up against some all time great coaches and teams.

I always thought it was a little funny/ironic that his last game ever as a broadcaster was SB 43 and he really praised Ben and the Steelers.

[Captain Lemming]

I hope he’s in heaven and I really hope the first thing God says to him is: the ball never hit the ground.

THAT is awesome.

But Maddens actual claim was that the ball hit Frenchy first (not Tatum) which would make the catch illegal back then if true.

The fact that Frenchy never answers and just gives a sly grin when asked if the pass bounced off him is all I need to hear to get a strong feeling the touchdown was not the only "score" we got on the play.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Madden was great because he embraced himeself both the good and the bad. I wish I took ride with him on the bus to see the last game. The Steelers won the super bowl in his final broadcast.

[Steelerphile]

THAT is awesome.

But Maddens actual claim was that the ball hit Frenchy first (not Tatum) which would make the catch illegal back then if true.

The fact that Frenchy never answers and just gives a sly grin when asked if the pass bounced off him is all I need to hear to get a strong feeling the touchdown was not the only "score" we got on the play.

I've watched that play on youtube many times and it looks to me that the ball sailed over Frenchy and hit Tatum's shoulder pad first. In any event, in this era of instant replay, I don't think there is definitive visual evidence that the ball hit Fuqua first. I think Frenchy just likes to be comedian and create some drama, but if the referees looked at play with today's technology, I think they come back and say "TD stands".

[Captain Lemming]

I've watched that play on youtube many times and it looks to me that the ball sailed over Frenchy and hit Tatum's shoulder pad first. In any event, in this era of instant replay, I don't think there is definitive visual evidence that the ball hit Fuqua first. I think Frenchy just likes to be comedian and create some drama, but if the referees looked at play with today's technology, I think they come back and say "TD stands".

I agree it would stand as it would be inconclusive. You just can't tell. But Frenchy knows what happened.

Funny thing is that had Tatum had sense enough to know how to do anything but try to kill people HE could have made an EASY play on the ball.

That is what made Donnie Shell the better safety. Shell could put the hit on too, ask Earl Campbell. But he ALSO was outstanding at playing the ball.

[BURGH86STEEL]

I played Madden since Sega Genesis. The overall quality of the game today isn't real NFL type of sim. I still play it because it's pretty much the only football game available on PS4, PS5, Xbox.

Madden was a great game announcer.

[Captain Lemming]

I agree it would stand as it would be inconclusive. You just can't tell. But Frenchy knows what happened.

Funny thing is that had Tatum had sense enough to know how to do anything but try to kill people HE could have made an EASY play on the ball.

That is what made Donnie Shell the better safety. Shell could put the hit on too, ask Earl Campbell. But he ALSO was outstanding at playing the ball.

Let me add It is a travesty that Donnie Shell is not in the hal....oh wait...
That's right he IS in the HOF.

Sorry guys it is a habit. Forgot that is what I USED to say whenever Shells name came up.

[Starlifter]

Funny thing is that had Tatum had sense enough to know how to do anything but try to kill people HE could have made an EASY play on the ball.

This is the salient point. I’m not gonna trample on maddens grave - but the raiders of the 70’s under his coaching were vicious and borderline dirty. If madden was the genius some want to rewrite history to reflect - I’d say if he were a genius coach he would have taught Tatum how to wrap up, tackle and end the play. Instead he taught Tatum to head hunt and go for the kill.

Franco says thx coach.