The NFL and sports world were saddened to hear about the death of legendary head coach and broadcaster John Madden. Madden touched the hearts of many in the NFL world, particularly fellow head coaches, who could turn to one of the league's greatest for advice. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera were among the NFL head coaches to offer up heartfelt reactions to Madden's death.
Statements from Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt and Head Coach Andy Reid on the passing of John Madden. pic.twitter.com/DJUwFxMyp3
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 29, 2021
That is a very heartfelt statement from Andy Reid, who described John Madden as a “teacher, friend, and confidant.” Reid, one of the longest-tenured and most successful head coaches in the league, can likely trace back much of what he learned about football to the great Madden. But as Reid alluded to, he's not the only head coach who can say that.
Coach John Madden was an NFL icon, who played, coached and gave his name to a video game. But to me he offered his time, wisdom and coaching insight. I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor! RIP Coach 🙏
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) December 29, 2021
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera also shared his thoughts on the passing of NFL great John Madden.
Rivera mentioned how many know Madden to be an NFL icon who is on the cover of the iconic football video game, though to him, the legendary head coach was a mentor who offered “time, wisdom, and coaching insight.”
In addition to Rivera, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh shared what Madden meant to NFL head coaches with an inspiring tribute.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Madden family on the passing of the great and beloved John Madden.” pic.twitter.com/iCpKeWSWM4
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 29, 2021
Harbaugh, along with perhaps Andy Reid and Ron Rivera, worked with John Madden on the NFL's Coaches Committee, which was fittingly called the Madden Committee. Harbaugh and other NFL coaches would work with Madden to better the game and correct issues with football, all the while getting to know the man.
Truly a heartfelt reaction from Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who said he grew to love Madden over the years. Madden also touched the hearts of New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who both shared some thoughts on the NFL legend's passing.
He represented everything that's good about our game.@Raiders #BOOM pic.twitter.com/v7reM5Z6k7
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) December 29, 2021
John Madden was a true football man. RIP, Coach.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) December 29, 2021
In the words of Payton and Tomlin, NFL legend John Madden represented everything that was good about football. He was a true football man.
Follow Us
Subscribe