Madden & Summerall tells the inside story of how two unlikely partners became the greatest broadcast duo in NFL history.
This is the story of how John Madden and Pat Summerall got to CBS and, although very different, how they became the greatest broadcast team of all time. It is told by Rich Podolsky, who worked alongside them both at CBS.
Separately, they were great. Together, they were the greatest ever. Madden & Summerall is about two stalwarts of the game, but their story is not without controversy. Summerall was a five-sport star who became a broadcaster by accident. Uncharacteristically, he was a morning drive-time radio host before he found his path on TV. Madden was a bigger-than-life Super Bowl-winning coach, and he easily could have been a stand-up comedian.
We all remember the great story-telling John Madden, who won sixteen Emmy Awards, but we don’t remember how much he struggled his first two years on the air to find his way. In fact, he was almost fired after his first season. It wasn’t until he was paired with Summerall that it all clicked. They were so different, yet so perfect together—like peanut butter meeting jelly for the first time.
The book follows the intimate stories of their lives from childhood to death: before and during their great twenty-one-year partnership. Never-before-told insider stories (some fun, some scathing) from friends, family members, and dozens of ex-colleagues pepper these chapters.
“For older football fans, this book will be like a nostalgic trip down memory lane, made even sweeter with additional details. For younger readers, it will serve as an essential historical record of two men who were pioneers in sports broadcasting. Podolsky’s storytelling ability and his honest opinions will appeal to all audiences. This book is a completely engulfing read and an excellent purchase for public and academic libraries.”
“Podolsky details the backstory of [John Madden and Pat Summerall]… a valentine showcasing their friendship, the love and respect they earned from fans, coaches, and players, and the football know-how they brought to the booth…”
“Buckle up and get ready to feel like you are riding the Maddencruiser! Rich Podolsky has once again graced us with his unique, high-energy storytelling, to bring us along for a wondrous ride with Pat and John. I had the honor of knowing both of them. What a thrill it is to go behind the scenes with the best broadcast team of all time!”
“Pat and John provided the soundtrack on so many of the most memorable games of the 80s and 90s. Rich Podolsky takes us on a terrific trip down memory lane that brings to life what so many of us remember so vividly in our mind’s eyes and ears."
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