John Madden died of undisclosed causes on the 28th of December 2021, but it is believed that he suffered a heart attack. He was 85 years old.
The American football player who later became a coach and sports commentator in the National Football League had multiple joint diseases and stomach ulcers while he lived. In 2015, he underwent open-heart surgery to repair blockages before passing away years later.
John Madden Suffered from Heart Blockage, Stomach Ulcers, and Joint Issues
Like every other human, John Madden suffered several health challenges in his lifetime. Reports have it that he battled with joint issues, which became persistent in the latter days of his life. He also suffered from stomach ulcers, which contributed to his retirement as a coach in 1979.
After ten seasons as head coach of the Oakland Raiders, which saw him bring the franchise its first championship in Super Bowl XI, Madden announced that he was permanently ending his coaching career in January 1979. He cited a troublesome ulcer and occupational burnout as the major reasons for his decision.
He went on to focus on broadcasting but would also give it up after he had heart surgery in 2015. It is said that his heart issues first arose a day before Thanksgiving of the aforementioned year. The coach was at home when he noticed he was having a hard time breathing.
He called a doctor, and soon an ambulance was dispatched to take him to Pleasanton Valley Care center, which was nearby. Subsequently, he was moved to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, where he underwent open-heart surgery. This was on the 30th of November 2015.
Why did John Madden Retire so Early?
John Madden retired so early in his career because of the different health challenges he was battling. Despite enjoying such an impressive career, he announced his retirement on January 4, 1979. He walked away from the game that gave him everything as he was suffering from a troublesome ulcer and occupational burnout.
What was John Madden’s Cause of Death?
John Madden died of undisclosed causes. The public only knows that he died at the age of 85; at his home in Pleasanton, California, on the 28th of December 2021. For reasons that are best known to his family, they have refrained from discussing the cause of his death.
Following his passing which was reported as “unexpected,” the NFL issued a statement wherein it commiserated with his family. The statement which avoided specifying how John Madden died described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. It went further to assert that nobody loved football more than the late coach.
The statement also rightly stated that there would never be another John Madden. And that the league will be forever indebted to him for his contributions to the growth of the sport. The Oakland Raiders also paid tribute to Madden, who spent 10 seasons as its head coach, without mentioning how he died.
It is Speculated that the Late Coach Died of a Heart Attack
While John Madden’s cause of death has remained unknown to the public, it has been upheld in some quarters that the famous NFL figure died of a heart attack. This would have been a rumor with no substance, but there are reasons to suspect it might have been the case.
Back in November 2015, roughly six years before he passed, John Madden made news headlines for undergoing open-heart surgery. While people were glad the surgery was successful, the news came as a surprise to many. This was because it was not reported that he had any health issues before the surgery.
It was said that the open-heart surgery was meant to repair blockages. So when he died in December 2021 and his family failed to offer details about what caused his death, people started speculating that he died of a heart attack. Medically, a heart blockage can cause a heart attack.
So it is believed that John Madden might have died of coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, or simply heart disease. The condition is characterized by a narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries. This is usually caused by the buildup of fatty material called plaque.
FAQs
What Disease Did John Madden Have?
John Madden had hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder. It was said that Madden was born with the disease that he inherited from his grandfather.
What Did John Madden Die Of?
John Madden died of undisclosed causes, but it is believed that he suffered a heart attack.
How big and Tall was John Madden?
Madden had a very imposing body frame as he weighed over 209 pounds (95 kg) and had a height of 6 feet 4 inches.
What was John Madden’s Net Worth?
John Madden’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.