The NFL is honoring the legendary football icon, John Madden, on Thanksgiving Day with special commemorative patches. Despite Madden’s absence, the league is ensuring that his presence is felt during the holiday matchups. Each team participating in the Thanksgiving games will wear patches that pay tribute to the renowned coach and broadcaster.
Key Takeaway
The NFL teams participating in Thanksgiving games will wear special patches to honor the late John Madden, adding a touch of nostalgia and reverence to the holiday matchups.
The Detroit Lions Unveil the Madden Patches
The Detroit Lions provided a sneak peek of their jersey adornments on Wednesday. The black-and-gold patches prominently display a silhouette of Madden during his coaching days, adding a touch of nostalgia and reverence to the teams’ uniforms.
A League-Wide Tribute
In addition to the Lions, other teams set to don the Madden patches include the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. This league-wide tribute ensures that Madden’s legacy is celebrated across multiple Thanksgiving matchups.
Madden’s Love for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving holds a special place in Madden’s heart. It was one of his favorite holidays, as he not only enjoyed indulging in turducken feasts in the broadcast booth but also had a tradition of sharing pieces of the unique chicken/duck/turkey combination with star players on the field.
Expanding the Tribute
The NFL initially honored John Madden during Thanksgiving games last year, introducing several incredible tributes. This year, the league is expanding its commemoration efforts by introducing jersey patches for all participating teams. Additionally, a special Madden-themed coin will be used for the opening toss of the games, further emphasizing Madden’s influence and legacy.
Remembering the Icon
John Madden, beloved in the world of football, passed away in 2021 at the age of 85, just a couple of weeks after Thanksgiving. Despite his absence, his contributions to the sport and his impact as a coach, broadcaster, and icon in the football community continue to be celebrated and remembered.
