The John Madden Legacy: A Thanksgiving Tribute

The late John Madden continues to be honored by the National Football League (NFL) in 2025, marking the fourth annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

Every year, the NFL celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday with a series of special events and tributes to the legendary coach and broadcaster. The John Madden patch is a notable feature on the uniforms of teams playing on Thanksgiving Day. This patch, a black and gold silhouette of Madden wearing his iconic broadcaster's headset, is a poignant reminder of his significant contributions to the sport.

In 2025, the NFL continues to honor Madden's legacy with a special patch on the uniforms of all six teams playing on Thanksgiving Day. The patch features a silhouette of John Madden wearing the headset, highlighting his transition from a coach to a beloved broadcaster.

The tributes extend beyond the uniforms. Special John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration stencils will be placed on the sidelines of the stadiums, including Ford Field in Detroit, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. These stencils, along with stadium wall panels, feature iconic images of Madden from his coaching days, creating a visual reminder of his impact on the game.

The NFL's fourth annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration features a coin toss that includes Madden's silhouette, adding to the festivities. This year, the celebration includes the special John Madden trophy, stencils, patches, and an iconic image of Madden from his coaching days, further enhancing the tribute. The coin toss and special trophies are just a few of the ways the NFL is keeping Madden's legacy at the heart of the holiday, ensuring that his influence is felt throughout the day.