No single human being has ever embodied more football greatness than John Maadden. His legacy began as Raiders head coach where he won the franchise’s first Super Bowl, never had a losing season, and to this day has the best winning percentage in the history of the NFL.
Madden passed away last week at the age of 85. The NFL and various networks have have their tributes to Madden. This Sunday it’s the Raiders’ turn.
The game is set to begin at 5:20 pm Sunday, but fans will be allowed entry at 1pm where there will be several ways they can share in the honor of the Hall of Fame coach, broadcaster, and video game pioneer.
Fans will have the opportunity to view outside and tour inside the famed Madden Cruiser, which will be on display on the west side of Allegiant Stadium. The bus, which became Madden’s road office, logged 80,000 miles annually, transporting Madden to his broadcast gigs across the country after he decided he no longer wanted to fly.
Also on display will be an interactive timeline that showcases special moments in Madden’s life—including his pre-pro football days, Raiders coaching career, his time in the broadcast booth, his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust and the Madden Video Game.
Wall structures will be set up around Allegiant Stadium where fans can leave their thoughts and memories of Coach Madden. The structures can be found at the Modelo Tailgate Zone located inside the Southwest Entry Gate, on the North Plaza Platform located inside the Ford North Entry Gate and at the Madden Cruiser location on the west side of Allegiant Stadium.
Then, prior to kickoff, the Madden family will light the Al Davis torch. Wife Virginia Madden, sister Judy, sons Mike and his wife Susie, Joe and his wife Wendy as well as grandsons Jesse and Jack will all be on hand. It’s a befitting honor considering John Madden was the first to ever light the original Al Davis torch at the old Oakland Coliseum a decade ago.