How Did John Madden Become the Poster Boy of One of the Biggest Video Games in the World?

Published 12/30/2021, 3:18 AM EST

Earlier today, 85-year-old legendary NFL player and coach John Madden passed away peacefully at his home. The “maddening” piece of news sent shockwaves across the world. Thanks to his vested interests in different spectrums of sports media, the former Oakland Raiders coach had non-NFL fans as well.

Fans who don’t follow John know him for the popular football video game “Madden NFL,” which has the legendary coach’s last name. Madden NFL is a billion-dollar video game franchise owned by EA. So far, more than 130 million copies of the game have been sold across the world, and it has raked in a massive $4 billion in revenue.

While many know John Madden to be the poster boy of “Madden.” However, many do not know the story behind why he was chosen, and interestingly, he wasn’t even the first choice.

Article continues below this ad

John Madden was not the first choice for “Madden NFL”

Back in 1988, EA Sports Founder Trip Hawkins wanted a video game based on football. Selling and marketing this new concept with a football icon was a must, and hence Hawkins went to Joe Montana and pitched his proposal. Unfortunately, the former 49ers quarterback had to turn down the opportunity thanks to his contractual obligations with Atari.

Article continues below this ad

Fans Believe EA Has No Choice But to Take This Massive Step to Honor John Madden

Montana’s snubbing meant that Hawkins had to approach their second option – John Madden and rest, as they say, is history. Madden’s inclusion was a boon for EA, as he also helped them from a technical POV. The game, during its debut release on the Apple II, encountered software issues owing to the number of players present on the screen. Moreover, many users complained of a lack of realty as the game was played on a 7 v 7 format. Once Madden joined the fray, he immediately demanded a change to a “real” 11 v 11 football; and thanks to him, EA now has sold 130 million copies.

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Article continues below this ad

If Madden had flopped back then, EA would have most probably dropped a football video game. But thanks to the video game icon, Madden not only exists but acts as a virtual gateway to the world of the NFL.

NFL and NFLPA Come to a Game-Changing Agreement on a Crucial Issue Ahead of the Playoffs

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Suresh Menon is an NFL and Football writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing BMM from St Xavier's College with his specialization in Advertising. Juventus is his favorite soccer club and he one day plans to go to Italy and watch a Juve match live.

How Did John Madden Become the Poster Boy of One of the Biggest Video Games in the World?

John Madden was not the first choice for “Madden NFL”

Trending

Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean

Despite Tom Brady’s Influence, JJ McCarthy Snubs Patriots In Favor of NFC Rivals Thanks to Michigan Connection

2024 NFL Draft: In Eminem’s Presence, Detroit Denied Entry Into NFL History Books as Motor City Fans Stopped Due to Maximum Capacity

Where Is Russell Wilson’s Ex-partner Ashton Meem Now? Everything We Know About Broncos QB’s First Wife

NFL Draft: Look Back at Russell Wilson’s Ex-Wife Ashton Meem’s Viral Reaction on 2012 Draft Day After Seattle Seahawks Picked Him in 3rd Round