Synopsis
"One Knee Equals Two Feet: And Everything Else You Need to Know About Football," written by John Madden with Dave Anderson and published in 1986, is a lively and insightful exploration of professional football from the perspective of one of its most colorful and knowledgeable figures. Madden, a former NFL player, Super Bowl-winning coach of the Oakland Raiders, and beloved television commentator, brings his decades of experience and infectious enthusiasm to the page, offering readers an insider’s look at the game he loves. Co-authored with Pulitzer Prize-winning sports columnist Dave Anderson, the book blends Madden’s earthy, conversational style with a wealth of anecdotes, observations, and practical football wisdom, making it accessible to both die-hard fans and newcomers eager to understand America’s favorite sport.
The book is structured around Madden’s deep dive into the various aspects of football, with each chapter focusing on a different element of the game, from the roles of individual positions to the strategies that define success on the field. Madden’s approach is refreshingly straightforward, avoiding excessive technical jargon while still providing a detailed breakdown of what it takes to excel in the NFL. He draws heavily on his own experiences, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his coaching days with the Raiders, including tales of legendary players like Kenny Stabler and Jack Tatum, as well as memorable games such as the Super Bowl XI victory. These personal reflections are interwoven with his analysis of the game’s fundamentals, offering readers a vivid sense of the highs and lows of professional football—the thrill of a perfectly executed play, the pain of a crushing defeat, and the camaraderie that binds players and coaches alike.
A significant portion of the book is devoted to Madden’s evaluations of the players he considers the best at their positions during his era, roughly spanning the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. He praises the likes of Joe Montana as the top quarterback of his time, lauds Walter Payton as his favorite running back, and expresses a personal fondness for the rebellious spirit of Jim McMahon, revealing as much about his own personality as about the players he admires. Madden also delves into the nuances of each position, explaining what to watch for as a fan—whether it’s the agility of a defensive tackle like Curly Culp or the upper-body strength of Randy White that allows him to dominate offensive linemen. His knack for spotlighting small, often overlooked details, such as how a player’s technique can turn the tide of a play, reflects the same keen eye that made him a master coach and a standout broadcaster.
Beyond the Xs and Os, "One Knee Equals Two Feet" captures Madden’s unabashed love for football and its larger-than-life characters. He recounts humorous moments, like his aversion to flying that led him to crisscross the country in an RV during his broadcasting career, and reflects on the sport’s evolution up to the mid-1980s, a period marked by dominant teams like the Chicago Bears of 1985. While the book is undeniably a product of its time—references to “up-and-coming” stars like John Elway and Dan Marino now carry a nostalgic weight—it remains timeless in its celebration of football’s essence. Madden’s voice shines through as that of a teacher, storyteller, and fan all rolled into one, making the book not just a guide to understanding the game but a tribute to its enduring appeal. For readers, it’s a chance to sit down with a football legend and soak in his wisdom, humor, and passion, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the gridiron and the man who helped define it.