Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Madden’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85, John Madden, the iconic NFL figure, boasted a net worth of $200 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated through a multifaceted career as a player, coach, sportscaster, and entrepreneur. While Madden achieved considerable success as a coach in the National Football League, it was his post-coaching endeavors that cemented his legacy and significantly contributed to his financial prosperity. He became a widely beloved commentator, a sought-after personality in the sports broadcasting realm, and the face of the immensely successful “Madden NFL” video game franchise.
The “Madden NFL” Empire and Its Impact on John Madden’s Net Worth
Without a doubt, the “Madden NFL” video game series stands as the most significant contributor to John Madden’s $200 million net worth. Since 1988, Electronic Arts (EA) has consistently released NFL video games bearing his name and likeness, resulting in a financial juggernaut that has sold over 130 million copies to date. In 2005, EA Sports solidified their commitment to the franchise by signing a $300 million deal to become the exclusive game developer for the NFL, further demonstrating the game’s enduring popularity and profitability.
Around this time, speculation arose regarding EA’s potential removal of the “Madden” name from future games. However, it was later revealed that John Madden had secured a landmark agreement that granted EA the perpetual right to use his likeness and name in the games for a reported $150 million. This deal ensured that Madden would continue to profit from the video game’s success, even after his retirement from broadcasting.
In addition to the $150 million deal, John Madden also received an estimated $2 million per year as a retainer from EA until his retirement in 2009. This consistent income stream further augmented his net worth and solidified the “Madden NFL” video game series as the cornerstone of his financial empire.
John Madden’s Broadcasting Career and Endorsement Deals
Before his association with the video game franchise, John Madden established himself as a highly successful and sought-after sportscaster. Following his retirement from coaching in 1979, he transitioned seamlessly into a career as a color commentator and analyst, working for all four major networks: CBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC. His insightful commentary and engaging personality quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to lucrative contracts that positioned him as one of the highest-paid personalities in American sports broadcasting.
At the peak of his broadcasting career, John Madden commanded an annual salary of $8 million, equivalent to approximately $14 million today when adjusted for inflation. This substantial income reflected his value to the networks and his widespread appeal to viewers. Notably, NBC went to great lengths to secure his services, even offering to construct a custom “luxury train” to accommodate his well-known aversion to flying.
Beyond his broadcasting salary, John Madden also generated significant income through endorsement deals. In the 1980s, he became one of the first celebrities to earn over $1 million per year from endorsements, partnering with prominent brands such as Miller Lite, Exxon, McDonald’s, Canon, and Ramada Inn. One of his most memorable endorsements was for Tinactin, a product for athlete’s foot, which reportedly paid him $2 million per year at its peak in the 2000s. Throughout his career, he also collaborated with brands such as Ace Hardware, Outback Steakhouse, Verizon Wireless, Miller Lite, and Toyota, further diversifying his income streams and bolstering his net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
John Madden’s journey to a $200 million net worth began in Austin, Minnesota, where he was born on April 10, 1936. Seeking better opportunities, his father relocated the family to California, where he found employment as an auto mechanic. John spent his formative years in a small town south of San Francisco, attending a Catholic school before transitioning to Jefferson High School.
During his time in high school, John Madden demonstrated exceptional athletic abilities, excelling as a key member of the football team. His versatility and talent were evident in both offensive and defensive positions, and he also proved to be a skilled baseball player. Upon graduating from high school in 1954, he continued his football career at the College of San Mateo. After one season, he transferred to the University of Oregon to pursue pre-law studies and play on the school’s football team. However, a knee injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season.
Following his recovery, John Madden returned to San Mateo for another season before transferring to California Polytechnic State University. There, he played both offense and defense for the Mustangs, earning all-conference honors as a formidable offensive tackle. He also showcased his baseball skills as a catcher for the college team while pursuing a BS in Education, followed by an MA in Education in 1961. Although drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL draft, a career-ending knee injury during his first training camp prematurely ended his professional playing aspirations.
From Coaching to Broadcasting Legend
While recovering from his knee injury, John Madden capitalized on his educational background by earning teaching degrees. During this period, he also sought guidance from former quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, who shared his football knowledge through game videos and detailed explanations of each play. As Madden’s teaching skills developed, they seamlessly merged with his passion for football, leading him to pursue a career in coaching.
In 1960, John Madden began his coaching journey as an assistant coach at Allan Hancock College, eventually becoming the head coach two years later. His success led to a position as assistant defensive coach at San Diego State until 1966, where he worked under the tutelage of Don Coryell, a tactical mastermind whom Madden credited for his future NFL coaching success. In 1967, he joined the Oakland Raiders as the linebacker’s coach, learning from head coach Al Davis, who had previously learned from Sid Gillman, a pioneer in professional football tactics.
By 1969, Al Davis’s departure paved the way for John Madden to become the head coach of the Oakland Raiders at the young age of 32, making him the youngest head coach in NFL history at the time. Although the team had a reputation for losing crucial games between 1969 and 1975, that changed in 1976 with a victory against their rivals, the Steelers, to win the AFC Championship. The following year, they triumphed in the 1977 Super Bowl by defeating the Minnesota Vikings. However, by 1979, the demanding nature of coaching began to take a toll on John Madden’s health, prompting his retirement from the profession.
