TO On Monday, a touching memorial ceremony was held to honor the glorious life of the recently deceased head coach of the then Oakland Raidersgreat TV presenter and face of the most famous football video game, John Madden.
Auckland, venue
Although a private ceremony had already been held at his funeral, this time it was an event open to the public. Ring Central Colosseum in Oakland, California, home of the Raiders when Madden was their head coach.
“When John left, I said I wanted to meet at the Colosseum.” Virginia Maddensaid John’s widow. “I know he’s there and I know he’s smiling at all his players that are here and all of you fans who have supported him over the years.”
Charity Event
This event was charitable, as all proceeds from $32.14 general admission tickets (in commemoration of the 32–14 score that the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XIthe first Vince Lombardi trophy in franchise history and the only one in Madden’s career) will be donated to charity. John Madden Foundation provide educational opportunities for Auckland’s youth.
Mariucci, Reed, and Rivera provided keynote speakers.
Recommended speakers included Steve Mariucciformer San Francisco 49ers head coach and current NFL Network analyst Andy ReedKansas City Chiefs head coach and Rum Riverahead coach of the Washington Commanders.
“Coach Madden loved life and life loved him back. The coach was able to turn everything into goldReed said. John Madden is in heaven now. This is 100 times more than the Hall of Fame. He constantly talks to professionals from all sports and tells them why football is the greatest sport of all.”
The ceremony was attended by colorful fans of the famous “black today” in traditional costumes typical of the Raiders’ home games in Oakland, which moved to Las Vegas a couple of seasons ago.