John Madden’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of football. From leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory, to revolutionizing NFL broadcasting with his energetic commentary and love for turducken, Madden became more than a coach and analyst—he became the face of Thanksgiving football. In 2025, the NFL continues to celebrate his lasting impact with a special tribute across all three Thanksgiving Day games.
NFL Thanksgiving 2025: A Tribute to John Madden
Since 2022, the NFL has dedicated Thanksgiving Day to honoring John Madden, introducing field logos, helmet decals, and broadcast tributes. Those celebrations will return in 2025—bigger and more meaningful than ever. This year, all six participating teams will wear custom John Madden patches on their uniforms as a visible reminder of his influence on the game.
Special Broadcast Tributes Across All Three Games
Each Thanksgiving broadcast will feature John Madden-themed segments, showcasing iconic moments, memorable calls, and his famous Thanksgiving traditions. Broadcasters will highlight Madden’s love for Thanksgiving football and how he helped make the holiday synonymous with NFL action.
Madden MVP Trophies for Each Game
In 2025, each Thanksgiving game will feature a Madden Player of the Game Trophy, awarded to the MVP of the matchup. This tradition celebrates Madden’s connection to players, coaching excellence, and football fundamentals—the values he championed throughout his career.
Madden-Themed Coin Toss and Game Presentation
Even pregame ceremonies will feature Madden tributes. The coin used for each game’s opening toss will feature John Madden’s likeness or signature, adding a meaningful touch to the start of every matchup.
Why John Madden and Thanksgiving Are Forever Linked
John Madden didn’t just call Thanksgiving games—he transformed them. His passion, personality, and famous love for Thanksgiving traditions like turducken made the holiday games feel special. His voice became the soundtrack of Thanksgiving football for millions of fans.
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s 2025 Thanksgiving celebration continues to solidify John Madden’s place as a beloved icon of the sport. From uniform patches and MVP trophies to broadcast highlights and ceremonial tributes, Madden’s spirit and impact will be felt across all three games—just as he would have wanted: with great football, celebration, and tradition.