Almost all football fans remember the late John Madden as a popular NFL game commentator, TV personality and the namesake and creator of the Madden NFL sports video game.
A number of older football fans remember John Madden as the Hall of Fame Coach who led the Raiders for nine years (1969-78), including the team’s first Super Bowl title over the Vikings in 1977.
A few football fans also may recall Madden as a solid college offensive lineman at Cal Poly who was selected in the 21st round of the 1958 Draft. His one NFL training camp was cut short by injury so he spent most of summer acting as Eagles Personnel Director Bucko Kilroy’s gofer at camp.
John Madden was very much part of our NFL Alumni’s growth and development over the years. He appeared at several Alumni events and was one of our biggest supporters.
Madden was recognized last week at the ribbon cutting of the John Madden Football Center on the campus at his college alma mater Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. The $45 million Center, which was funded in good part by the Madden family, will provide the school’s football players with a modern headquarters right next to their stadium. It will focus on training, recovery, and program operations while at the same time honoring the legacy of one of the school’s most recognizable alums.
“My dad stood for two things,” says son Mikle Madden, who participated in the ribbon cutting last week. “He stood for preparation and excellence. It’s appropriate that we honor his legacy with this facility where players and coaches will come to prepare. They will work hard and sweat each day with a determination to win.
The school has produced several other NFL players, including Ramses Barden (Giants), Chris Gocong (Eagles, Browns), LeCharls McDaniel (Redskins, Giants) and Dana Nafziger (Buccaneers).
“This is a game-changing moment for our program,” says Call Poly’s head coach Tim Skipper. “Our student athletes now have a home built specifically for them…a place where they can develop as players, students, and leaders. The Madden Center creates an atmosphere that reflects our culture, our aspirations and the standard we want to uphold every single day.
We at NFL Alumni salute the late Coach Madden and his generous family who are continuing his tremendous legacy at the school.
