NFL legend John Madden passed away on December 28, 2021, at the age of 85.
He is survived by his wife Virginia, their two kids and five grandchildren. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is John Madden's wife Virginia?
At the time of his death, John had been married to his wife Virginia Fields for 62 years.
The couple first tied the knot on December 26, 1959, in a marriage ceremony that took place inside the St Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria.
According to reports, they first met in a bar in Pismo Beach, California.
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Although little is known about Virginia’s career, it is believed that she was responsible for taking care of various antiques that the family owned.
Those items reportedly included a highway YIELD sign, which Ted Hendricks, the three-time-All-America linebacker, gifted to Madden when he retired.
The couple also shared two kids together – Joseph and Michael – who they brought up in Pleasanton, California.
Joseph attended Brown University while Michael reportedly went to Harvard where he was on the football team.
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One of Madden’s grandsons, Jesse, was the starting quarterback of his high school team and has sparked interest from many NCAA programs.
Jesse made his debut for the University of Michigan in September 2021 against Northern Illinois.
What has Virginia Madden said about John's death?
Virginia has not made any public comment since the death of her husband.
However, several big names paid tributes to the Hall of Fame Football Coach after the sad news was announced.
Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys called Madden “a very dear friend”.
He said: “When he walked into the room, it was a better day. When he talked, you listened, and you learned. When he laughed, everyone in the room laughed. And when he got back on the bus to leave, you always wanted more.”
According to Jones, no one loved the game more than Madden.
He added: “When I think of a person of sports who is worthy of the term, ‘larger than life,’ I have always thought of John. And I always will.”
Tom Brady wrote: “He was always so good to me. RIP to a legend of our game.”
Pittsburgh Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin called Madden “a true football man. RIP, Coach.”
EA Sports, which has developed and published many sports games including Madden NFL, released a statement on Madden’s passing.
It read: “Today, we lost a true hero. John Madden was synonymous with the sport of football for more than 50 years.
"His knowledge of the game was second only to his love for it.
“A humble champion, a willing teacher, and forever a coach.
"Our hearts and sympathies go out to John’s family, friends and millions of fans.
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"He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and never forgotten.
Outside of the NFL, LeBron James paid respects tweeting: "Rest in Paradise To the GOAT John Madden!!!! Your legacy will continue to live on!!!!!"
NFL icon John Madden talks tactics ahead of the Packers vs Bears game in December 1989ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK570qmmq6xfaYB2g49tbWiin527brnAnZuepl2stqexjK%2Bgq5%2BZo7aiew%3D%3D