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Did John Madden fly as a coach?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 11, 2026

Madden was able to fly during his coaching career, but as a broadcaster he decided to abandon the attempt to travel through the air.

Did John Madden fly in airplanes?

Madden had said that claustrophobia is what really led to his hatred of flying. While Madden did travel by plane while he was coaching the Oakland Raiders, he quickly made the transition to traveling by bus once he entered broadcasting.

Was John Madden afraid to fly?

It was actually caused by claustrophobia. "I didn't like getting on planes before that," Madden said, per NBC Sports. "I got claustrophobic, and it got worse over the years." Madden was able to fly during his coaching career, which spanned 1969 through 1978, but his fear became too much once he became a broadcaster.

Does John Madden like to fly?

Aversion to flying

However, it was not until 1979 that he had his first panic attack on a flight originating in Tampa, Florida; he never flew on a plane again. Madden, however, stated once in an interview that his fears were not about turbulence, flying, or heights, but primarily claustrophobia.

Did John Madden actually play football?

Madden was raised in Daly City, California, where he was a standout high school football player. He played on both the offensive and the defensive line at California Polytechnic State University (at San Luis Obispo) and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958.

22 related questions found

Did John Madden serve in the military?

In addition to his years of successful leadership, John served as a U.S. Army officer from 1990-1995. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Infantry Division as an Infantry and Military Intelligence Captain.

What happened to John Madden's bus?

Legendary Hall of Famer John Madden recently donated his original “Madden Cruiser” to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The bus arrived in Canton several weeks ago and has recently undergone a makeover to return to its original look.

Did John Madden ever go to Hawaii?

Madden had an aversion to flying in large part because of claustrophobia. Instead of traveling by plane, Madden took a bus — the aptly-named Madden Cruiser — to wherever his broadcast duties needed him that week. As a result, Madden never left the mainland and worked the Pro Bowl when it took place in Hawaii.

Why does John Madden hate flying?

Another theory is that his fear of flying came from a panic attack he had on a flight from Tampa. However, according to Imagine That, Madden says his aversion to flying comes from claustrophobia. He also finds flying negative because when he's in the air, he can't enjoy the beauty of our country.

What's John Madden's net worth?

John Madden was worth $200 million in 2021 when he died, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

What phobia did John Madden have what did John Madden fear?

The football legend said his fear of flying stemmed from claustrophobia, though many believed it was from the California Polytechnic State University football team plane crash that took place on Oct. 29, 1960. Madden graduated Cal Poly in 1958 and had friends that died on the flight.

Why did Madden retire?

In 1979, after the 1978-179 season ended, Madden abruptly retired as coach of the Raiders. He was emotionally stressed and burned out. Madden had a bleeding ulcer and a strained relationship with his sons which he wanted to repair.

Did John Madden drive the cruiser?

"It's a happy place to be because everybody knows about it," Aikens said. "Everybody knows who John Madden is, and they all know that he didn't like to fly. Before it was replaced by other vehicles, Madden Cruiser I traveled about 600,000 miles as it's owner cross-crossed the country.

Why is Madden named Madden?

Its name derives from John Madden, a famous gridiron football coach and television colour commentator. EA Sports has held exclusive licensing rights with the NFL since 2005, making Madden NFL the only American football video game available with all the NFL teams and their players.

Did John Madden play Howie Long?

He was selected by John Madden to the All-Madden teams in 1984 and 1985 and was named to the 10th Anniversary All-Madden team in 1994. Long was voted the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year and the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1985.

What was John Madden's major at Cal Poly?

Madden was an imposing 6-4, 260-pound offensive and defensive lineman on Cal Poly's football teams in 1957 and 1958, earning all-California Collegiate Athletic Association honors as an offensive lineman, and also played baseball in 1958 and 1959 before he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1959.

When was John Madden a coach?

John Madden was a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1967 to 1978, finishing his career as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Over his twelve years of coaching his teams compiled a cumulative win/loss record of 128-35-7.

Did John Murray survive the plane crash?

Months after the crash, Captain Murray relocated his family from the states to Shannon, Ireland, where he continued to work for the Flying Tiger Line. Tragically, he died some six years later in a scuba diving accident off the coast of Australia.

What is Michael Strahan's annual salary?

Michael Strahan's Salary

While in the NFL, Strahan earned just under $60 million. At present his estimated salary is $17 million per year.