NFL fans remember legendary Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Madden for his incredible achievements and broadcasting. However, younger generations will likely know the name due to the popularity of his video game. His video game legacy began in 1988 with the first edition of Madden, but now there have been over forty new versions of the creation.
According to IMDB, David O. Russell will direct the film, and Cambron Clark will write it. Furthermore, the film cast Nicolas Cage as Madden. As the film has not yet begun production, there is no release date.
From Raiders coach to the booth: the John Madden timeline…
In 1967, Madden became a linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders, not knowing his full potential. Eventually, in 1969, at the young age of 33, Madden became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. His coaching career culminated in the Silver and Black’s first Super Bowl in 1976. This season began the start of a storied legacy for the franchise.
Shortly after his coaching career ended in 1978, Madden converted to a sports broadcasting career. Here’s where his voice became ubiquitous in the football community. His impact on this path may have been as amazing as his coaching career. In fact, he received a Hall of Fame honor in both coaching and sports broadcasting.
Changing the video game landscape…
There are many sports video games around today that are very popular among gamers. Many sports have an established gaming franchise, including basketball and soccer. However, only one game, Madden, bears the name of a specific sport.
It all started when Trip Hawkins, the creator of Electronic Arts, expressed interest in making a video game featuring football. Coincidentally, the company’s headquarters were in Redwood City, not far from Oakland. Initially, the gaming franchise intended to use Joe Montana as its name and face. Thankfully for Madden, Montana was already in a contract with a rival gaming company.
The game would release in 1988 with Madden on the front cover page, and that would continue for the next decade. The football game didn’t feature a new person on its cover until 2001. It is a prestigious honor for players today to be on the featured cover of the Madden video game.
Sadly, John Madden passed away at the age of 85 in 2021. Certainly, his legacy will live on as a new video game releases every single year. This new film will capture his longevity, greatness, and success in the gaming community and sports world.
Raiders fans react to the Nicolas Cage casting…
Cage better deliver, or else he’ll never hear the end of it from Raider Nation. If current Tweets are any indication, the man, also known as Castor Troy, has his work cut out for him.
John Madden’s favorite Nicholas Cage movies (my educated guesses) pic.twitter.com/1Ddix2fsqK
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) August 16, 2024
Nicolas Cage cast as John Madden
How’s this? pic.twitter.com/WROtd6q1Z2— Frank Caliendo (@FrankCaliendo) August 16, 2024
As far as Nicholas Cage playing John Madden in the movie, I like it better than the original choice.
It was going to be Will Ferrell, but he couldn’t do it due to scheduling conflicts.— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 16, 2024
That’s gonna suck. Cage looks nothing like Madden
— WhatsUpWIggy (@WhatsUpWiggy) August 15, 2024
Casting one of the worst actors to play one of the best names in Football history.
Lovely…
— Eric Demory (@HystEric_Demory) August 16, 2024
*Top Photo: Bally Sports
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