MKRob Sports

Dear Mr. Madden,

I’ve been playing your video games since I was in middle school and can safely say that because of it, I’ve learned about the basics of football, how to play the game of football and how to study the game of football.

This Ode to you Mr. Madden is not just about the video game, it’s about John Madden the broadcaster and the teacher as well. I’ve coached football and have taught my former players the same thing I learned from listening to you call games, working the telestrator and listening to the importance of all the positions on the field.

I can remember when I played ball whether it was on offense or defense I was so successful at it because of what you always said whether it would be in the video game or during your broadcasts…here’s an example of what I mean:

Offense: I played running back, wide receiver and tight end.

1. As a running back I learned how to set up blocks from listening to you say that a back cut this way to set up a block that way. Because of that I was able to gain more yards after taking a handoff. Not only that you used to say that holding the ball in the outside arm would assure if a fumble was to occur, it would go out of bounds, thus keeping the ball in your possession and it also leaves the inside arm available for a possible stiff arm if needed.

2. As a wide receiver, I ran the same routes that you had on your video game, so I ran those routes the same way the video game drew it up and I became one of the better route runners on the team.

3. As a tight end, I learned to shade block for a running back so he could get through the hole, the same hole that I would try to create when I was playing running back. That also showed me that learning more than one position would make you a much better player.

Defense: I played linebacker and safety

At both positions you showed me that forcing a runner inside would not only limit the yards gained but will allow your other teammates to make a tackle. You also taught me how to play different coverages and make an affective tackle on defense.

You also taught me what to look for in certain players, how to read coverages and how important every position was on the field.

You broke the game down like no other broadcaster could. You explained the game at the level of the football illiterate to the football expert.

I would not be the successful blogger, coach, teacher and studier of the game of football that I am if it wasn’t for you and your telestrator.

THANK YOU JOHN MADDEN!!!

Your Fan,

MKRob