Who is John Madden and Why does he have a Video Game?

All I know about John Madden is that he has a video game, and he makes slick statements on why throw the ball short of the first down when you needed the first down to keep the drive going (you have to play the early Madden games to get that reference). So, I always wondered why did John Madden have a video game?

To answer the question we have to start at the beginning of John Madden's professional career.  Few people know that John Madden was a great football player in high school and college.   While in college, Madden won all conference honors as an offensive tackle.  In 1958, John Madden was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 21st round (244 overall).  During training camp, Madden had a knee injury and never gained a chance to play professional in the NFL.  Unable to perform physically, Madden was useless to the NFL and his professional career as a player was over before it got started.

Despite being unable to be a worker in the field, John Madden had a plan that would help him continue his professional football career as a leader on the sidelines.  Madden said, "I got hurt in my rookie year with the Philadelphia Eagles - a knee injury - and I couldn't play.  While I was rehabbing, Norm Van Brocklin would be watching films and would explain what was happening.  I ended up with a degree in teaching, and my love for football meshed with teaching."

Professional success was not instant for John Madden.  In 1960, Madden became assistant coach for the Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.  He was promoted to head in 1962.  After spending 6 years coaching college, Madden got his football in the door of the NFL again.

In 1967, John Madden became the Linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders.  During that year the Raiders reached the Super Bowl.  After John Rauch resigned from Raiders head coach spot to take the head coach position with the Buffalo Bills, Madden was named the head coach of the Raiders. In 1969, John Madden became the youngest head in the history of the Raiders at 32. In his first season, Madden lead the team to a 12-101 record.

As the Raider's head coach, John reached the AFC championship game 5 out 7.  After losing to the legendary undefeated Dolphins of 1972 and being on the defeated side of the last minute "immaculate reception", Madden gained his first Super Bowl championship in 1976 against the Minnesota Vikings.

After winning the Super in 1976, the Raiders would lose the AFC championship in 1977 and fail to make the playoffs in 1978.  After 10 years, John Madden decided to retire.  Madden would retire as the most winning head coach in NFL history and youngest coach to gain 100 wins.  Madden also never had a losing season as a head coach.

After retiring, John Madden spent his time from 1979 to 2008 as NFL analyst and commentator.  Madden would later turn his analyst skills to new venture known as video games.  In 1988, the first Madden video was created.  When asked why did Madden lend his voice, personality, and name Madden said he views the video games as an educational tool for teaching and testing plays.  in 2012, Madden stated "a way for people to learn the game and participate in the game at a pretty sophisticated level".

And there you have it.  The reason there is a Madden game is b/c Madden was a fan of the sport that had great skills at developing talent and coaching that talent to the most victories in NFL history.  In a way Madden is like video gamers b/c he never played the game professionally but he knows about players and tools to lead to success.  May one day we will see a Madden player become a coach one day.

My take away from studying John Madden's career is that when one door closes, there is always hope another will open by using your knowledge to win and succeed.

Comic Con 2015 The Walking Dead

I have to admit 2015 comic con was the best ever.  It seems like the convention has standardize what to expect.  I remember when it was only cosplay and trading goods with fellow fans.

Well this year was a big surprise because of the big movie trailers and TV show new season reveals like the The Walking Dead. I will post a link below.

My first impression of the The Walking Dead season 6 was seems like it's going to be political meaning a clash for leadership and a lot of change among loyalty in that group.  

It seems the peaceful town that the survivors have settled is turning into a dysotopia.  The knowledgeable mayor is no longer in power.  Rick seems aggressive but he doesn't have the full support of the group. My favorite redneck Daryl doesn't seem to be eager to follow anymor, and he seems like he's going his own way in life.  I saw a few glimpses of a mega zombie horde overtaking the town and a few familiar faces meeting their end meaning getting eaten alive.  

I won't reveal too much because I don't understand what is fully going on from the brief introduction.  I won't to see how the stories will develop before I assume anything Bc you know the writers for the Walking Dead are experts at plot twist.  Here is the season 6 trailer:

http://youtu.be/Va1UPrFXHKA

I helped someone Handicap today

I did something I was very proud of today.  I have a co-worker that is handicap but he is an outstanding worker.  His communication skills are limited due to his disability.

The situation started where I heard a lot of commotion.  I went over to investigate in it was a manager yelling at my co-worker for doing a task wrong.  As a manager, I stepped in and I asked what was wrong.  The other manager quickly caused a scene and tried to fire the co-worker that was handicap for not doing the task the way she wanted...(really just trying to make an excuse to fire him, b/c she is bias towards diversity and doesn't like handicap people in her organizational culture).  I said let me fix the situation.

I pulled him to the side for a conversation. He was scared and clearly upset, but he explained to me the situation the best way he could.  I understood him completely without any trouble.  Basically, sadistic people in his department was using him to do work he wasn't suppose to do, and he was frustrated.  They were taking advantage of his kindness and unwillingness to say no.

I felt very enraged, but I had a very important conversation with his manager about what was going on there.  I definitely saw a need to implement change in the department and take a hands on approach on what is going on here.  I don't stand for discriminate nor does the company.

The age old saying goes, "people don't quit the company, they quit the bad manager".  I almost shed a tear when I saw him return to work happy and content.  If there was one good thing I did with my life, then I happy that I did this for someone who is a good person, solid performer, and needed help. Thank you God for letting me have this moment in life to be responsible and a true leader.