Eagles Twitter remembers an extended family member in John Madden
It’s often said that, once you’re a Raider, you’re always a Raider. No one would deny that. It doesn’t even seem to matter if we’re talking about the Oakland, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas version. Nobody’s ever really said ‘Once you’re a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, you’re always an Eagle’, but there’s some truth in that too.
Remember how you felt when you saw Dick Vermeil win a Super Bowl in Saint Louis or Randall Cunningham’s run in Minnesota with the Vikings? Birds fans, members of the Philly media, and former players always tend to pay attention to what’s going on with guys who have contributed to this near-90 year run, and that’s why the Eagles family is in mourning today.
John Madden will forever be a member of the Eagles family.
It was a different time in 1958. The NFL Draft looked slightly different in those days. Check this one out.
John Madden was the 244th-overall selection in the 21st round of that year’s draft. He suffered a knee injury in camp that ended his playing career before it ever got started. If they had the medical advancements in those days that we have today, he might have been able to get back on the field, but fate had other plans for John Madden.
Let’s just say things worked out pretty well, but who are we kidding? Many of you saw most of the story live and in color (or you’ve heard about it).
John Madden will always be remembered as a raider and a broadcaster, but he’s a member of the Eagles extended family as well. He was drafted by Philly. The final game he called was on November 9th of 2008, one in which the Eagles were hosting the New York Giants.
He passed on December 28th at the age of 85 years young, and various members of the NFL world and Eagles Nation have paid their respect on social media. Here are a few of the highlights:
#RIP John Madden
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 29, 2021
He was drafted by the Eagles in 1958 pic.twitter.com/7CZRBuwMQ3
Rest In Peace to the legendary Philadelphia Eagles’ 1958 draft pick.
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) December 29, 2021
This should be the next #Madden cover. pic.twitter.com/IEcivOgHuO
John Madden is a sports icon whose contributions to the game of football are countless. His words brought Philadelphia Eagles football vividly into the homes and hearts of our fans everywhere. We extend our condolences to his family and many friends. pic.twitter.com/MkiI7iakay
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 29, 2021
Trending. 5 Best Eagles teams to miss the NFL Playoffs. light
The resume speaks for itself: the EA Sports game bearing his name, a Super Bowl champion (XI). an AFL champion (1967), the PFW AFL Coach of the Year (1969), about 30 years of broadcasting, and a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Football would have never become what it became without him. It will never be the same again now that he’s no longer with us. May his family find comfort during this difficult time. May this football legend rest in peace.