Madden & Summerall. Rich Podolsky.

Madden & Summerall.    Rich Podolsky.

How They Revolutionized NFL Broadcasting.

Sports broadcasting be it writing, radio or television, is a cottage industry within the wide world of sports in general.    Often the people and personalities that call the games can be as important or even more so than the sport itself.    Some fans may actually tune into a game knowing who is broadcasting simply because these media types are perceived as interesting or entertaining and occasionally even more so than the game.   

A wide swath of football fans, even today, are very likely familiar with the broadcasting tandem of John Madden and Pat Summerall and that is the topic of veteran author Rich Podolsky’s latest book, Madden and Summerall.    The author is a long-time member of the media and worked with both subjects of this book and has put together a biography of both broadcasting legends along with some humorous and sobering stories for both characters. 

Both of the main characters of this story are interesting people and have intriguing but varied backgrounds. (One was a large football coach from Northen California with no broadcasting experience, and the other was a former college and professional athlete raised in the south with a rising broadcasting pedigree.)    The book is also put together in mostly chronological order making it easier for the author to process and read.   In addition, the author writes about both subjects in alternating chapters throughout the book.   Podolsky shares his experiences in working with both Madden and Summerall along with including anecdotal tidbits and key images throughout the manuscript.

Podolsky also provides a solid effort when introducing many of the CBS and Fox Sports executives and how they helped shape this broadcasting duo and rode the wave of their growing success.   Many CBS executives were primary contributors to the details of the story.    Some information was garnered directly from the sources.    Other parts of the story were found and supported by referencing related literature including the author’s previously published book. 

Another reason why the author alternated chapters about both broadcasters may have had something to do with the fact that Madden and Summerall worked well together but seemingly did not interact much socially outside of the booth.   Interestingly enough, though, the author writes about Summerall’s adventures with previous broadcasters often noting excess indulgences in alcohol consumption and likely other debaucheries.   But Madden was not a drinker, and although the author does NOT directly assert this, that may have impacted and perhaps limited their social experiences together.   The author does write that the duo did get along very well throughout their tenure together.    

Madden came to the business without much experience in calling games or knowledge of how the television productions worked.    But he had coached the Oakland Raiders for 10 years prior and even starred in a popular beer commercial.  It was evident that Madden had an engaging personality and certainly knew the game of football.   Beyond his big personality Madden eventually changed the way the broadcast crew prepared for games.   John Madden was the classic teacher and coach.   He brought those same skills to his immediate crew members.   One example was the incorporation of watching films of both teams on Saturdays before the broadcast of their scheduled NFL game.     Madden would teach his team (cameraman, production members and all other stakeholders) the nuances and subtleties of the game while often suggesting how to angle the cameras in hopes of capturing certain plays and other visuals that would be appealing to the viewing public. 

While Summerall was a successful play by play announcer before being partnered with Madden, the duo worked together for 21 seasons, his role in the book was much like his broadcasting style.     Summerall was known for his succinct comments and the ability to quickly and shortly sum up what his partner was trying to express.     Podolsky, the author of You Are Looking Live!, writes that Summerall’s reporting style of short, brief jabs complemented Maddens’ room filling explanations very well.   That is evidently what made this television broadcasting duo work and be successful.    Nevertheless, the book features plenty of interesting stories about Summerall but they are written mostly without Madden.  It is not hard to get the impression that Summerall supported the changes made by Madden, but he likely did not influence the way the games were called or the preparation for it much on his own.   

This opus contains about two hundred pages.  It is mostly a fairly easy read due to the author’s direct writing pose and willingness to keep the stories and timeline organized.   The author also identifies key components of how they modernized the production and professionalized the delivery of the broadcasts, which gives the story substance and purpose.    Being a fan of Madden and/or Summerall is not necessary to read and enjoy this book although that aspect of the reader would certainly not be a drawback.  Nor does one have to be a football aficionado to relate to the big personalities and artful deliveries of the nation’s most popular game.    

·       You might like to read this book if you are interested in reading more about John Madden and/or Pat Summerall.

·       You might like to read this book if you are a fan of National Football league history.

·       You might like to read this book if you seek information about American sports writers and sports casters.

·       You may want to check out this book if you relish stories pertaining to television broadcasting of sports.

Read more about the author on X:   https://x.com/richpodolsky