John Madden inspired countless football fans, players, coaches and writers

Erik Drost / Wikipedia Commons John Madden's bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

At 8 years old, all I wanted in my life was a video game system.

I had a little GameBoy Color with one game on it, Doctor Mario, but despite my relentless pestering my parents hadn’t caved and bought me any of the most popular consoles of that day.