The late, great John Madden will once again grace the cover of the incredibly successful video game franchise that bears his name. Electronic Arts announced Wednesday that Madden, who died Dec. 28, 2021 at the age of 85, will be the cover star of this year’s edition of the game, Madden NFL 23.
In addition, Madden’s voice will also be heard in the game, as EA also revealed Wednesday that “remastered audio clips that call back to his legendary days as a broadcaster.”
More in-game details and features honoring Madden will be released in the coming weeks.
Not only is June 1 dubbed “Madden Day” to mark the annual unveiling of the franchise’s latest cover player, but this year’s announcement also happens to come on the 34th anniversary of the franchise’s launch.
Having held the NFL and NFLPA’s official licenses for some time, the franchise has introduced generations of football fans to the game.
Outside the game, EA is also committing $2.5 million to “support programming over the next five years for the following four nonprofit organizations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education” as a part of the John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education.
Another $2.5 million will be committed to the creation of the EA Madden Scholarship in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, which will “support students at 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to graduate college prepared for the next step in their career.”
“Coach Madden was a lifelong believer in the importance of education, and we’re privileged to support these amazing organizations that are creating opportunities for the next generation to pursue their dreams in his honor,” EA Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager Cam Weber said in a statement.
Regarded as one of the best coaches and most influential figures in NFL history, Madden never had a losing season with the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978.
Madden led the Raiders to a win in Super Bowl XI over the Minnesota Vikings.
After his retirement in 1979, Madden became a color commentator for CBS Sports and began his second career teaching football to a generation.
Madden went on to work for Fox, ABC and NBC as well, and claimed 16 Sports Emmys.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.