“I tried to be smart…” What happened when a reporter challenged John Madden

Legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden is best known for his iconic commentary and voicing the “Madden NFL” video game franchise. But while he came off as a welcoming and friendly guy, he also had an edgier side.

He once showed his tough, no-nonsense side to sideline reporter Alex Flanagan during a pre-Super Bowl production meeting, who told the anecdote in an interview with The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.

“He put me in my place”

Flanagan, reflecting on the 2009 Super Bowl broadcast between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, recalled trying to make a sharp observation about safety Troy Polamalu, only to be quickly and bluntly “put in her place” by Madden.

“John was not easy on me,” said Flanagan. “In our first meeting, I tried to say something smart about Troy Polamalu and his skillset. John called me out right away and kind of put me in my place a little bit.”

Though it was a surprising moment, Flanagan shared the story with humor, showing that Madden’s intensity was part of what made him so legendary.

Madden, who passed away in 2021, was known not only for his success as head coach of the Raiders and as a Hall of Fame broadcaster but also for mentoring and working with generations of NFL media professionals. His legacy continues to live on through both his TV presence and the “Madden NFL” game series.

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