NBC Celebrates John Madden This Thanksgiving with a Final Journey in the Iconic Madden Cruiser

This Thanksgiving, NBC will pay tribute to John Madden, a legendary figure in football and family, as it commemorates his enduring legacy. The celebration will unfold in a special two-minute opening before the evening game featuring the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.

In a heartfelt gesture, the original Madden Cruiser embarked on a journey from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, to Lambeau Field last week. The iconic bus, which has a significant place in Madden’s history, will remain in Green Bay and be showcased during the game.

Lambeau Field held a special place in Madden’s heart, making this year’s Thanksgiving game on NBC particularly meaningful for fans and his family alike. “It truly is remarkable to witness how John’s legacy continues to resonate with so many,” remarked Ellie Wright, the producer of the opening segment, who was part of the recent journey.

The inspiration to bring the Cruiser out of retirement originated during NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” discussions in June. Madden had generously donated the bus to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, and the Hall embraced the idea of showcasing the cruiser on its final journey through the Midwest. Although it is typically a highlight during enshrinement week activities at the Hall, it spends most of the year stored away in northeast Ohio.

During its Midwest tour, the Madden Cruiser made notable stops, including a brief visit to Soldier Field in Chicago and a Boys & Girls Club in Wisconsin, before arriving at its revered destination, Lambeau Field. J.J. Johnson, who drove for Madden during the latter years of his broadcasting career from 2003 to 2008, narrated the opening while behind the wheel of the Cruiser. “As I drove along, the crew would ask me questions or I’d share stories, and it just flooded my mind with so many cherished memories. Honoring John this way means a lot to me,” Johnson shared.

Madden’s journey in sports broadcasting had its challenges; after experiencing a panic attack on a flight to a game in Tampa Bay in 1979, he opted to travel via train. This led to Greyhound donating the first Madden Cruiser in 1987, which covered over 600,000 miles. Over the years, there were five Madden Cruisers, with the last two still accessible to the Madden family, while the others’ locations remain a mystery.

As part of the Thanksgiving festivities, Madden will be honored during all three NFL games scheduled on Thursday, marking the third annual “John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration” since the Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster’s passing in December 2021. From 1982 through 2001, Madden called 20 Thanksgiving games on CBS and Fox, transitioning to other networks without Thanksgiving broadcasts in the later years.

The NFL expanded to three Thanksgiving games in 2006, with NBC taking charge of the night game in 2012. This will be the second occasion Green Bay has hosted the night game, the last being in 2015. Despite retiring from broadcasting after Super Bowl 43 at the conclusion of the 2008 season, Madden’s legacy continues to influence NBC’s football coverage profoundly.

Rob Hyland, coordinating producer for “Sunday Night Football,” reflected on Madden’s impact, crediting him for shaping his storytelling abilities. “John’s insatiable curiosity was unmatched. He would examine everything, asking questions that led to wonderful insights, making me a better storyteller and producer,” Hyland explained.

Staying in line with Madden’s Thanksgiving traditions, NBC will award turkey legs to the game’s most valuable players and turduckens to the winning team. Hall of Fame safety Leroy Butler, a former Packers player and now a skilled chef, will prepare the turkeys and turduckens, some of which will be cooked on the bus.

As Johnson drives one of the “Sunday Night Football” production trucks, he speaks fondly of Madden’s influence and the shared joy of Thanksgiving. “When we step out to do our jobs, John is the one we think of. This is not just a game; it’s a celebration of football and Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field, one of the places John cherished. We are filled with pride in honoring him,” said Johnson.

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