JOHN MADDEN A ADVISOR

A release from the NFL just arrived with news on John Madden and a new way to see blacked out games.

JOHN MADDEN NAMED SPECIAL ADVISER TO

COMMISSIONER GOODELL

Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach and legendary broadcaster JOHN MADDEN has been appointed “Special Adviser to the Commissioner,” the NFL announced today.

Madden will advise Commissioner ROGER GOODELL on matters pertaining to the game, including competitive issues, coaching and personnel development, technological innovations, player safety, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The position will be unpaid.

“John Madden still has tremendous passion for the game and offered to continue to play a constructive role for the league,” Goodell said. “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. His experience, deep knowledge and unique perspective will be a major asset to our game.”

Madden will work with NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations RAY ANDERSON to provide input on multiple football-related issues and also chair the Coaches Subcommittee to the Competition Committee. Members of the subcommittee and topics for review will be jointly selected by Madden and Commissioner Goodell. The subcommittee will report to the full Competition Committee prior to the annual meeting.

“Throughout my life, I have always had a football season,” Madden said. “As a player, as a coach, and as a broadcaster. When I retired from broadcasting, I didn’t retire from my passion and interest in the game. This position enables me to continue that.”

Madden will participate in meetings of the General Managers Advisory Committee and take part in a weekly call with Commissioner Goodell or his designee to discuss issues from the previous week’s games. Madden will be available as needed for additional consultation.

Madden served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969-78, leading the club to a 112-39-7 record and a win in Super Bowl XI. Following his coaching career, Madden turned to television, where for the next 30 years he won 16 Emmys and became one of the most acclaimed sports broadcasters in history, calling NFL games for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC before retiring on April 16.

The National Football League is planning to stream blacked out in-market games on a delay on NFL.com, the league says. In-market games will be available for streaming starting at midnight the day of the game, and will be accessible for 72 hours, except when Monday Night Football airs on ESPN.

Additionally, if a game that is blacked out locally does not sell out its tickets, then the league will make it available for free viewing on the Website in the home markets.