A pro football legend who got his start on the Central Coast has died.
John Madden was one of the most successful NFL coaches in history, and a longtime sportscaster.
He has deep roots on the Central Coast. Madden played football at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1957, and 1958. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal Poly.
He was voted to the all-conference teams, starting on both the offensive and defense lines. And, he earned bot a bachelor’s and master degree from Cal Poly.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, a knee injury during his rookie season ended his playing career. He turned to coaching, starting at Santa Maria’s Allen Hancock College, where he spent three seasons.
Madden eventually became head coach of the Oakland Raiders. With a 103-32-7 record, his winning percentage is still the best of anyone in the NFL.
He spent 30 years in broadcast booths before retiring in 2009. The Madden NFL video game still bears his name.
There’s no word on the cause of death. Madden was 85 years old.
