John Madden: A Tribute

Tom M. — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:23:38 -0400

John Madden redefined football.

What separated John from everyone were the four things that changed the way we see this sport and helped propel it to what it is today, the premier sport in America.

John was, without question, the face of the NFL. From my personal perspective John brought four major contributions to my beloved sport.

First and foremost, he taught mainstream people the X's and O's of professional football.

As a college football player, I learned from him.

A world-respected professor of mine, when asked why he was so popular, once commented, "I put the cookies on the lower shelf so even the big boys can reach them." That was John. He spoke to both the novice and the well-informed fan.

Second, John was an innovator.

Even when he was well beyond an age, when most of us have long since retired, he was creating "turducken," the "telestrator," and his "side of the bus" hall of fame.

I can only hope I remain as fresh and innovative at that age.

Third, John embodied integrity.

I can not enumerate the number of times that John would refute some ESPN sensationalism or some AP speculative "fact" by interviewing a player, coach, GM, or even a celebrity.

John was after the truth and his integrity reached all of us.

Fourth and most important to John's legacy, he reached out to people who were not football fans. One of the many examples is my wife.

She does not like football, but would sit and watch if John was announcing. She would even ask, "Is John Madden announcing?"

His homespun humor and earthy witticisms reached so many beyond the normal football world.

My greatest memory of John will be him announcing a Green Bay game.

He called out Gilbert Brown, saying, "Gilbert is like a Sumo wrestler. You can't block him with one man. If you want to stop him, you need two people. If you want to move him, it takes takes three."

My son and I were in tears as they were showing Gilbert with his hands on his hips, gut hanging out, dark visor etc.; he had no idea the world was focused on him, but it was.

John loves the "big uglies," and he brought that to us.

John, my family and I will miss you. You are a pioneer, an American icon, and a great man of integrity.

What more could Mrs. Madden have hoped for in a son!

Green Bay Packers: Return To Glory—the Draft

Tom M. — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:07:41 -0400

Ah yes, spring is here. Love is in the air. Everything about this time of year suggests all things are renewed. And yes, it is the time of year for the greatest marketing/brand equity scheme in sports and arguably even within the circles of Wall Street. It is time for the NFL draft. The time when NFL GM’s sell team futures to build product interest and. ticket sales. Bless them one and all!

Draft day is about intrigue, smoke screens, and especially strategy to address needs. The Green Bay Packers have a defense that too often caved in last year. In order to return to 2007 form and results, "The Pack" must address this side of the ball.

The two most glaring needs are for additional interior line help and a complimentary pass rusher, preferably an edge rushing hybrid DE/OLB to relieve double team pressure on Aaron Kampman. So without any further drum rolls the Green Bay Packers select with their number nine pick:

Everett Brown: Why Brown? Three reasons: First, Orakpo will not be available. Second, Maybin is too slow to be able to drop back in coverage and is reported to be a straight line runner who struggles with directional changes. This will be a liability for any coverage packages that involve OLB’s. The third reason is that the Green Bay Packers will pass on Raji to bolster the interior of their defensive line because they will choose as their second round pick:

Ron Brace: This is a one dimensional DT who is an exceptional run stuffer, but does not get great interior pushes to pressure the QB. The Packers can rely on Cullen Jenkins to provide interior pass rushing pressure. Brace is needed to counter the NFC teams that focus on running the football. The recipe for winning the NFC North Division is to first and formost, STOP THE RUN. So why not choose Raji in the first round? Because an impact DE/OLB will not be available in round two and the Packers must address both pass rush and run stopping needs with immediate contributors.

Ah, yes, the NFL draft…Let the games begin! And you thought futures were only sold on the Chicago and New York Mercantile Exchanges.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Tom M.

John Madden: A Tribute

Green Bay Packers: Return To Glory—the Draft