John Madden (1936–2021) was an iconic figure in American football, whose influence extended far beyond the playing field. As head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, he maintained an exceptional winning percentage, leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XI. After retiring, he embarked on a second, highly successful career as a television commentator for major U.S. networks. Known for his exuberant and accessible style and his innovative use of the telestrator to analyze plays, he won numerous Emmy Awards. His name is also inextricably linked to the famous *Madden NFL* video game series, one of the most successful franchises of all time, which cemented his status as a cultural icon. For his achievements as a coach, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.