John Madden was a man filled with ebullience and brimming with personality. But three days before his death, he had a simple request.
According to Cydney Henderson of USA Today Sports, the legendary NFL coach and broadcaster wanted to watch Fox Sports' documentary on him, entitled “All Madden.” Of course, his wish was granted. He watched it surrounded by his family and friends on Christmas Day.
For a guy like Madden, it was hard to say no, according to Joel Santos, one of the directors of the documentary along with Tom Rinaldi.
“John asked to see it. It was our wish to make it a gift for him and his family on Christmas Day.”
Sadly, three days later, Madden passed away at the age of 85. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
Rinaldi said the unfortunate development has given a whole new meaning to the documentary, which he and Santos described as a “love letter” to the inspiring career of Madden.
“We are truly stunned by the timing and heartbroken by it. The other side of our sorrow is our incredible gratitude that John was able to see this.”
Santos added that Madden was more than impressed with the documentary.
“He was really blown away. It made (Madden) realize his impact and the fact that so many people loved him.”
From winning the Super Bowl in 1976 with the Oakland Raiders to being a successful broadcaster, John Madden was a legend in every sense of the word.
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