Nicolas Cage to play NFL icon John Madden

John Madden is an icon in the American sport history books and following his death in 2021, Amazon confirmed that an autobiographical film was in the planning stages and it has finally been revealed who will play the NFL icon: Nicolas Cage.

In a statement shared with Variety, the film’s director, David O. Russell, confirmed that Cage will become the legendary American football coach and sports commentator.

“Nicolas Cage, one of our finest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spiritof originality, fun and determination in which anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden,” said the filmmaker.

“Along with the fierce style, focus and inspired individualism of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, the film will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in the incredibly inventive and cool world of the 1970s,” he added. Will Ferrell and Hugh Jackman had previously been considered for the role.

Who was John Madden?

John Earl Madden, born in Minnesota was an American college football player, NFL coach, Super Bowl winner, and analyst. He is also the face of the iconic Madden NFL video game.

Madden played at California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo and was voted to the All-Conference team. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him as a future choice in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL Draft, but a knee injury in his rookie season prematurely ended his playing career.

Madden was defensive coordinator at San Diego State from 1964 to 1966. From 1960 to 1963 he was the coach at Hancock Junior College in Santa Maria, California.He began his professional football coaching career in 1967 as the linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders. After two seasons, he was promoted to head coach.

Madden coached the Raiders for 10 seasons. During that time, he guided the team to seven Western Division titles, including five straight from 1972 to 1976. Madden's Raiders made eight playoff appearances.

In 1976, Madden led his team to a near-perfect 13-1 record to win the AFC West Division. The success continued in the postseason with victories over the New England Patriots in the divisional playoff game and over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Madden and the Raiders capped the 1976 season with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI.