John Madden dominated as a coach, redefined sports commentary, and—oh yeah—gave us the Madden video game franchise.
He’s won big in 3 different genres!
All while refusing to fly in a plane!
This is the best documentary on John Madden by far.
If you’re interested in another person who won big in 3 careers, check out “Arnold” on Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Trailer for “All Madden”
Watch “All Madden”
I watched “All Madden” by recording it using YouTube TV (Fox plays it periodically).
For example, I currently see it that it is playing on FS2 (Fox Sports 2) on October 2, 2024, on Oct. 17, 2024, and Oct. 29, 2024.
Put that DVR of yours to work!
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/all-madden (though it doesn’t show any listings as I write this on Oct. 23, 2024).
Ratings:
- My Rating: 97/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na
Release Date: December 25, 2021
My Review of “All Madden”
John Madden wasn’t just a football coach—he was a phenomenon.
“All Madden” takes you through Madden’s remarkable journey from Super Bowl-winning coach to beloved broadcaster and cultural icon.
Directed by Tom Rinaldi (ESPN’s “E:60” and “College GameDay”) and Joel Santos, the doc traces Madden’s career, revealing how his love for football shaped an entire generation.
You can’t make this sh*t up
In 1980, Madden took a particularly uncomfortable flight, and from that day forward, he vowed never to fly again. Instead, he started taking Amtrak trains everywhere.
CBS eventually rented Dolly Parton’s tour bus for him, and Madden never looked back. From then on, he traveled by bus across the country, a quirk that only added to his legendary status.
Super Bowl Champion
In 1977, Madden became the youngest coach ever to win a Super Bowl, leading the Oakland Raiders to victory. He was just 40 years old. But this wasn’t just another victory.
Madden’s Raiders were known for their toughness and grit, qualities he demanded from his team.
He had only three rules:
1) Be on time;
2) Pay attention; and
3) When I ask you to play hard, play hard.
It was simple, but it worked. Madden finished his coaching career with an impressive 103-32-7 record.
After stepping away from coaching at just 42 years old, Madden’s influence didn’t fade.
A Broadcast Legend is Born
The documentary dives into Madden’s second act as a broadcaster, where he found a new way to bring football to the masses. In 1979, CBS hired him as a color commentator, pairing him with veteran broadcaster Pat Summerall.
Their chemistry was instant, and viewers loved it. Madden’s energetic, relatable style, combined with his expert breakdown of plays using the telestrator, made football understandable to even the most casual fans.
Their partnership was legendary, covering eight Super Bowls and defining how Americans watched the NFL.
But Madden’s career in broadcasting wasn’t confined to CBS. In 1994, Fox Sports stunned the world by securing the rights to NFL games.
Their first big signing?
John Madden.
The move shook the sports world, and soon Summerall and other CBS pros followed him to Fox, bringing their beloved commentary to a whole new audience.
Lesser-known tidbit: Madden’s fear of games ending in a tie led to off-air rants that his colleagues recall with great amusement.
The Madden Cruiser
Madden’s decision to stop flying is one of the more unique stories the doc covers.
After his vow in 1980, he initially relied on Amtrak trains to get from game to game. That changed when CBS rented Dolly Parton’s tour bus for him. Madden loved the experience so much that he decided to take a bus to all of his games from then on.
Thus, the famous “Madden Cruiser” was born—a custom luxury bus equipped with all the amenities Madden needed as he traveled across the country. It wasn’t just a means of transportation; it became part of his persona.
Madden NFL Video Game Empire
The documentary doesn’t shy away from Madden’s influence off the field. His involvement with the “Madden NFL” video game franchise is a massive part of his legacy.
When EA Sports approached him in the late ’80s, they wanted his name on a game that would simplify football for the average player. Madden insisted on realism—11 players per team, just like in real football—and the result was the most popular sports video game franchise of all time.
To date, “Madden NFL” has generated over $7 billion in revenue, influencing not just gamers but how real coaches and players think about the game.
Madden was meticulous in his involvement, once even delaying a game’s release because the blocking schemes weren’t realistic enough.
Lesser-known tidbit: The video game has become so influential that real-life players often use it as a way to study plays and improve their performance on the field.
Legacy and Final Years
As “All Madden” moves through the various stages of Madden’s career, it touches on how he became the voice of football.
His infectious enthusiasm and his unique ability to make complex plays understandable earned him fans far beyond the field.
In 2006, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he gave an emotional speech, saying he believed the busts of Hall of Famers talked to each other at night.
It was classic Madden—heartfelt, sincere, and a little bit quirky.
The doc also covers his family life, particularly his relationship with his wife Virginia and their two sons. Behind the scenes, Madden was a devoted family man, choosing to retire from broadcasting in 2009 to spend more time with them.
Wrap Up
“All Madden” is a fitting tribute to a man who didn’t just love football—he was football. From his early days as the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl, to his iconic broadcast career alongside Pat Summerall, and his legacy in gaming, John Madden touched every corner of the sport.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just someone who appreciates a good story, this doc is a must-watch. Madden was more than a coach or a commentator—he was a force, and “All Madden” gives us a look at why his legacy will continue for generations to come.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc