John Madden, NFL Coach, Commentator, and Video Game Legend, Dies at 85
The injury that ended John Madden’s pro career before it could start paved the way for him to become a legendary coach, broadcaster, and video game personality. Drafted by the Eagles, Madden injured his knee before ever taking an NFL snap, and switched his focus to coaching, and forever changed the game as we know it. After retiring from coaching in 1979, he went on to a prolific career in the announcing booth during which he called games for all four major networks, including 11 Super Bowls. Along the way, he also revolutionized the world of sports video games when he helped launch Madden in 1988, which has become a cultural icon and nets $1.5 billion in sales each year. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Madden was 85.
Deandre Ayton Signs Extension with Puma
After initially signing on with Puma as the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has re-upped with the brand on a new multi-year deal. “I’m just trying to make sure I can expand my brand, with my performance on the court,” he told Boardroom’s Nick DePaula. “I’m trying to be a Defensive Player of the Year, and the best two-way player I can be, to be honest. Work off the court and create my own shoe someday. Not only that, I’m trying to be an All-Star as well, and take it as far as there as well, and see what amazing things we can do from there.” A big component of the new extension will be carving out a series of community givebacks in Phoenix and around the country, as well as well as in his homeland of the Bahamas and eventually in Africa, where his father hails from.
Miami Nightclub E11EVEN Joins Bored Ape Yacht Club
Earlier this year, Miami nightclub E11EVEN announced that it would become the first major nightclub in the US to accept crypto as a form of payment. And on Tuesday the award-winning club revealed that they’ve doubled down on the blockchain, purchasing Bored Ape #11 for 99 ETH ($396,000). In an official statement, club representatives indicated that the purchase is a means by which to expand their assets and the brand, while also preparing to take E11EVEN to the metaverse.
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Michigan Offensive Line Receives First-ever NIL Legacy Reward
The dawn of the name, image, and likeness era is one of the biggest stories of 2021. And on Tuesday, the Joe Moore Award – the annual award recognizing college football’s top offensive line – revealed that it will “begin a program which will have long-lasting benefits and a financial upside for our winners, and in many cases for the causes which will be tied to the program.” The University of Michigan was announced as this year’s winner and will receive 100% of net sales of the award’s annual t-shirts, with a portion going to a philanthropic beneficiary.
NFL and NFLPA Agree to Revised COVID Protocols
On Monday, the CDC revised its protocols, shortening the quarantine period to five days. And the NFL and NFLPA did quick work to adjust the guiding protocols for all active players, regardless of vaccination status. The news comes less than two weeks after the shield was forced to rearrange the Week 15 schedule due to mass outbreaks in multiple clubhouses.
Shohei Ohtani Takes Home AP Male Athlete of the Year Honors
Long after the MLB season ended, Shohei Ohtani continues to rack up awards. Sho-time was named as the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year on Tuesday. The award recognized Ohtani’s efforts to redefine the modern game of baseball with his performance on both sides of the pitcher’s mound. It rounds out a huge year for the Japanese right-hander, who was also the unanimous choice for the American League MVP.
Google Links with WNBA for W25 Moments Reveal
The WNBA isn’t done celebrating its 25th anniversary quite yet. The league and Google, which serves as one of the WNBA’s Changemaker sponsors, released a new commercial documenting the top 25 moments in history. From Lisa Leslie’s first-ever MVP title to Candace Parker’s 2K cover reveal, the two-minute spot captures key highlights of the last 25 years.
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