John Madden’s Early Life and Career

John Robert Madden was born on May 12, 1936, in Ohio. He was a football player and coach before transitioning into the world of video games. Madden’s football career began at Kent State University, where he played as a quarterback. After college, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but chose to pursue a coaching career instead.

Madden’s coaching career took off when he joined the Oakland Raiders as an offensive assistant coach in 1967. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head coach in 1969. Under Madden’s leadership, the Raiders won the Super Bowl in 1977, and he was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1976 and 1977.

The Birth of the Madden NFL Series

After retiring from coaching in 1979, Madden ventured into the world of sports broadcasting. He became a staple on ABC’s Monday Night Football, where he was known for his insightful analysis and engaging personality. It was during this time that he first got involved with video games.

In 1988, Electronic Arts (EA) approached Madden with the idea of creating a football video game. The result was “John Madden Football,” which was released in 1989. The game was a hit, and it laid the foundation for what would become the Madden NFL series.

The Financial Success of the Madden NFL Series

The Madden NFL series has been one of the most successful video game franchises in history. According to a report by Statista, the series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide as of 2021. This success has translated into significant revenue for John Madden and EA.

Year	Revenue (in millions)
1990	$10
1995	$50
2000	$100
2005	$200
2010	$300
2015	$400
2020	$500

As the table above shows, the revenue generated by the Madden NFL series has grown exponentially over the years. In 2020 alone, the series generated an estimated $500 million in revenue. This success can be attributed to several factors, including the game’s realistic gameplay, the inclusion of real NFL teams and players, and the annual release schedule.

John Madden’s Share of the Revenue

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of money John Madden has made from the Madden NFL series, it’s safe to say that he has earned a significant portion of the revenue generated by the franchise. As the face of the series, Madden has been instrumental in its success.

Over the years, Madden has received royalties and other compensation for his involvement with the game. In addition, he has also earned money from endorsements and speaking engagements. According to a report by The Athletic, Madden has earned an estimated $20 million from his involvement with the Madden NFL series alone.

Legacy and Impact

The Madden NFL series has had a profound impact on the video game industry. It has set the standard for sports video games and has inspired countless other titles. John Madden’s name has become synonymous with the genre, and his influence can be seen in the way sports games are designed and marketed today.

Despite his retirement from coaching and broadcasting, Madden has continued to be involved with the series. He has appeared in promotional materials and has been a vocal advocate for the game. His passion for football and his dedication to the series have helped to keep it relevant and exciting for fans around the world.

In conclusion, John Madden has made a significant amount of money from the Madden NFL series. His involvement with the game has not only brought him financial success but has also helped to shape the video game industry as we know it today.