The Bill Simmons Podcast John Madden’s Incredible Career With Bryan Curtis, and Most Regrettable NBA Contracts With Wosny Lambre and Joe House
Dec 29, 2021
Joining the conversation are Bryan Curtis, a writer for The Ringer known for his insights on sports media, Joe House, an NBA analyst, and Wosny Lambre, specializing in NBA commentary. They fondly remember the legendary John Madden and his profound impact on sports culture and media. The trio also dives into NBA playoff dynamics, discussing surprising team performances and detailing the most regrettable contracts, including those of Michael Porter Jr. and Klay Thompson, blending strategic analysis with playful banter.
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Madden's Career Turns
- John Madden's career had three phases: Raiders coach, announcer, and video game icon.
- He was one of the few recognizable NFL coaches during Bill Simmons's childhood.
Madden's Broadcasting Impact
- CBS chose Madden as the top color analyst, leading to a bake-off between Pat Summerall and Vin Scully as play-by-play partners.
- Summerall won, forming an iconic duo, demonstrating Madden's immediate impact on broadcasting.
Madden's Commentary Philosophy
- John Madden revolutionized football commentary by prioritizing clear explanations of the game's complexities.
- Unlike Howard Cosell, Madden believed viewers could understand and appreciate in-depth analysis.