The yellow first-down line on TV — John Madden's greatest achievement?
Published February 09, 2005
He's many things, is the protean former Raider coach: Monday Night Football analyst par excellence; multimillionaire grand panjandrum of the most popular sports-related computer game in the world — Madden NFL 2005, which sold 1.35 million copies in its first week last fall; author of a number of best-selling books; and the world's most famous bus rider.
Little known, at least by me until I read it in in Don Babwin's Associated Press story this past Monday, is that Madden was the first person to propose placing a virtual line at the first-down mark.
Eleven years ago, he suggested it in a television production meeting.
It then took four years for Chicago-based Sportvision to roll it out.
Now, it's impossible to imagine how we ever did without it.
Often we can see if a play's made a first-down before the announcers are even sure.
I like that: power to the peanut gallery.
- The yellow first-down line on TV — John Madden's greatest achievement?
- Published: February 09, 2005
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- Section: Culture
- Writer: bookofjoe
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cool stuff Joe! I didn't watch much this year but I sure noticed it in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Madden must have been about 18 when he coached the Raiders
...world's most famous bus rider?
I confess, this reference passes approximately 10 yards over my head. (No yellow line, so I can't tell until the ref makes his call.)
John Madden doesn't fly.
I don't know if it's relevant, but he went to Cal Poly and one year a bunch of their football players were killed in a plane crash.
Okay, now I get it. Thanks!
(I might prefer to ride the bus rather than fly, too, with that example in mind.)
Of course, he says he's just claustrophobic. I'm in no position to question his phobias, but if nothing else it is an interesting coincidence.
Anyhow, the yellow first down line is the greatest thing since football was televised in the first place.
I have found TV has totally spoiled me for football. When I go to real games (Denver Broncos) I miss all the nice action from TV. First off, you can't hear a damn thing happening on the field because everyone is screaming. Second, replays are non-existant. Thirdly, the color commenting totally sucks, which is why many wear earpieces to dial in radio.
I could go on and on about bathroom breaks and $6 beers and the wonderful yellow line. Thank you John Madden!
Wait, are you talking about the yellow line in the bathroom? I don't think Madden had much to do with that, except when he drinks too many beers. And, take my advice -- steer clear of it. You could ruin your shoes.
i have a question. if a player receives a punt in the end zone and gets tackled, what is the ensuing play?
dear,Mr.Madden
Me and my friends would love if you would let us make our own sport.The team is called square ball. [Personal contact info deleted]
from,juniore cajuste and all his friends
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The yellow 1st and 10 line has changed the way I look and analyze / like to predict what's going to happen. Is it going to be a pass, run, where, etc. I would like to see more information graphics that do not interfer, but add to, the game. Why aren't they part of something like Direct TV's sport package, or ESPN's Full Court, etc. Why aren't there more interactive ways to watch a game on the Internet? Seems like the company is only touching their potential! It's FANtastic!