JOHN MADDEN WAS FOOTBALL
John Madden always reminded people that he was “just a football coach.” It was his way of keeping things in perspective, including maybe his own ego. But, at the same time, Madden took tremendous joy and pride in being what—and who—he was. He often said he couldn’t imagine a better life, that he never felt like he had to work a “real job,” or really even grow up. “When I was a little kid, I hated to dress up,” he said. “I hated to put on regular shoes. I wanted to play all the time.” That’s exactly what John Madden was able to do for 85 years before he died on December 28, 2021—play all the time. He played to win, of course, and that created the challenges and stresses…
