The legendary head coach and broadcaster John Madden will be the subject of the first episode of NFL Icons Season 2.
The hour-long episode will feature fresh insight and perspective on Madden's life and career, as well as a few unique stories – including one moment focusing on the 1976 season Super Bowl-winning Raiders' Dec. 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In that Monday Night Football showcase, if the Silver and Black – having already clinched a playoff spot – beat the Bengals, it meant the Steelers could find their way into the playoffs. A narrative began that the Raiders would lose in order to keep the Steelers out of the playoffs and away from what could potentially be a repeat of the 1974 AFC Championship.
However, that's not how Madden played football. He always coached up his team with integrity and with only one way to play a game – "to win."
Looking back on the 35-20 win, the late coach said, "I don't know that I was ever more proud of a team or organization than I was that night."
Narrated by award-winning broadcaster Rich Eisen, the NFL Icons documentary series pulls from decades of interviews, highlights, mic'd-up sound and never-before-seen off-the-field moments of greats around the league.
The season premiere featuring Madden is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on EPIX.
A look at some photos of Coach John Madden through the years.
Coach John Madden with QB Daryle Lamonica
Coach John Madden with George Blanda
John Madden when he was a linebackers coach.
Coach John Madden with Phil Villapiano
Coach John Madden walks out to the field with George Atkinson and Ray Guy.
Coach John Madden speaks with Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown on the sideline.
Coach John Madden and Dave Dalby
Bryant Gumbel, Coach John Madden and Owner Al Davis after the Raiders Super Bowl victory
Coach John Madden with QB Ken Stabler
Coach John Madden next to Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw
Coach John Madden greets Lester Hayes on the sideline.
Coach John Madden stands next to Hall of Fame center Jim Otto on the sideline.
Coach John Madden, Ollie Spencer and Jim Sweeney
Coach John Madden's Hall of Fame induction in 2006.
Coach John Madden's Hall of Fame cerremony at O.co Coliseum.
Coach John Madden was on hand for P Ray Guy's Hall of Fame ceremony at O.co Coliseum in 2014.
