John Madden

May 1, 2019
"Doink!" A biography of sports icon and train lover John Madden, who, at his core, is still just a big fan himself. "Madden NFL" is not John Madden's sole accomplishment, and many of its contemporary players may wonder about their beloved video game's namesake. This middle-grade biography follows Madden from his childhood days playing sports in empty lots through college play and a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, ending in injury. The real legacy unfolds through his tenure as one of the youngest coaches in NFL history (for the Oakland Raiders) and as an accessible broadcaster with an unforgettable role in a beer commercial. Journalistic writing blends with narrative elements as Madden is described as a curious, empathetic sports lover who loved winning and still loves the game. The only named woman in the book is Madden's wife, Virginia Fields, who, like Madden, is white; race in the NFL is only briefly discussed. Along with the development of Madden's career, readers gain a crash course in other familiar names, the history of the NFL, and the world of sports broadcasting. Via Madden's unconventional career, kids who are sports fans can discover that there are paths to greatness beyond scoring as an athlete. This play-by-play biography, peppered with quotes and stats, will delight enthusiasts. For football nerds who wonder about the "Madden" behind their favorite video game. (index, author's note, photos) (Biography. 10-12)

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