Madden's HOF speech
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by user Joebook
If you didn't read the excerpts from John Madden's HOF speech, it was quite entertaining.
First off, presenter Al Davis pointed out that Madden worked during an era where 10 of the 20 coaches in the HOF were on the sidelines and he had a winning record against all of them. That's impressive.
Secondly, when Madden took the microphone, he included this nugget:
"I think over in the Hall of Fame, that during the day, the people go through, they look at everything. At night, there's a time when they all leave. Then there's just the workers. Then the workers start to leave. It gets down to there's just one person. That person turns out the light, locks the door.
"I believe that the busts talk to each other. I can't wait for that conversation. Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne, Reggie White, Walter Payton, all my ex-players, we'll be there forever and ever and ever talking about . . . whatever."
I have a few problems with this. Madden, who is long known for his analytical skills and ability to simplify the game for the viewer brings up one of the goofiest things ever said at a HOF induction. Have we ever had that "What happens at night in the HOF thought?" while daydreaming? Probably not.
Secondly, Knute Rockne isn't in the Pro Football HOF. He should be embarrassed for that statement. If he planned to say that, more research should have been done.
Look, I like Madden. I enjoy his telecasts and I buy his video game every year. I just think that a well-respected, well-known commentator/coach/contributor to the game could have left the corny angle out of the speech... unless he really believes that.
Then we should be worried.
Date
Sun 08/06/06, 9:58 am EST
