John Madden Coaching Career Legacy Shines in NFL Thanksgiving 2025 Tribute

The NFL honors legendary coach John Madden during Thanksgiving games across all three networks. This marks the fourth annual celebration of the Hall of Famer’s enduring legacy. Six teams will wear special Madden patches during their November 27, 2025 matchups.

The tribute continues Madden’s deep connection to Thanksgiving football. His famous quote about the holiday perfectly captures the spirit of this tradition.

Special Patches and Coin Designs Honor Legendary Coach

All six Thanksgiving teams display distinctive patches featuring Madden’s silhouette. The black-and-gold design honors the Raiders colors he famously coached. This visual tribute appears on player uniforms throughout the day’s three games.

Custom coins have been created for each contest’s coin toss ceremony. They feature Madden’s profile on the heads side. The reverse shows a playful six-legged turducken, representing one of Madden’s beloved Thanksgiving traditions.

Three Thanksgiving MVPs Earn $10,000 Donations for Youth Football

Each network will name a Madden Thanksgiving MVP from their broadcast. These players receive the distinctive Madden MVP trophy shaped like a pylon. The NFL Foundation donates $10,000 in each MVP’s name to youth football programs.

This donation structure reflects Madden’s lifelong passion for developing young talent. The program directly supports community football initiatives nationwide.

John Madden Coaching Career: Record and Hall of Fame Legacy

Madden compiled one of the greatest coaching records in NFL history. His 103-32-7 regular-season record with the Oakland Raiders remains remarkable. That .759 winning percentage stands highest among coaches with at least 100 victories.

He never experienced a losing season during his entire 10-year head coaching career. Madden led the Raiders to seven playoff appearances and captured Super Bowl XI. His coaching legacy extends beyond the field through broadcasting and the iconic video game series.

Why Thanksgiving Became Madden’s Permanent Football Holiday

The NFL established this tradition following Madden’s passing in December 2021. His deep connection to Thanksgiving football made the holiday the perfect tribute occasion. The celebration has now become a permanent fixture on the NFL calendar.

Network tributes will air across FOX, CBS, and NBC broadcasts. Michael Madden, the coach’s son, will appear on Good Morning Football. The NFL will auction game-used items with proceeds benefiting the John Madden Foundation.

The John Madden coaching career celebration continues to grow each Thanksgiving. His impact on football remains visible through these heartfelt traditions. The league ensures future generations understand Madden’s profound contribution to the sport they love.

Thought you’d like to know

Which teams are playing in the Madden Thanksgiving tribute games?

The Green Bay Packers face the Detroit Lions in the early game. The Kansas City Chiefs meet the Dallas Cowboys in the afternoon. The Cincinnati Bengals play the Baltimore Ravens in the night game.

What did John Madden say about Thanksgiving football?

Madden famously stated, “There’s no place I would rather be today on Thanksgiving than right here, right now, at a football game.” This quote perfectly captured his enthusiasm for the holiday tradition.

How many years did John Madden coach the Raiders?

Madden coached the Oakland Raiders for ten seasons from 1969 through 1978. He never had a losing season during his entire head coaching career. His teams made the playoffs in seven of those ten seasons.

What is the Madden Thanksgiving MVP award?

Three players will be named Madden Thanksgiving MVPs, one from each network broadcast. Each winner receives a special trophy and triggers a $10,000 donation to youth football. The NFL Foundation makes these donations in the players’ names.

Why does the NFL use a turducken on the tribute coins?

The turducken represents one of Madden’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions. He frequently discussed and celebrated the unusual dish during broadcasts. It became synonymous with his colorful personality and holiday spirit.