What do you think?
Rate this book
Madden & Summerall: How They Revolutionized NFL Broadcasting
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 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.
Summerall was the Voice of Autumn, the Voice of the NFL. Madden was America’s nutty football professor—both goofy and brilliant. Together they were loved by millions, for twenty-one beautiful years. Of Madden and Summerall Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Michaels has “Pat and John provided the soundtrack on so many of the most memorable games of the 80’s and 90’s. 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.”
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 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.
Summerall was the Voice of Autumn, the Voice of the NFL. Madden was America’s nutty football professor—both goofy and brilliant. Together they were loved by millions, for twenty-one beautiful years. Of Madden and Summerall Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Michaels has “Pat and John provided the soundtrack on so many of the most memorable games of the 80’s and 90’s. 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.”
248 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
73 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 23, 2025
I picked up this book after I saw a Tweet by Mike Hall, a Big Ten Network personality, who was recommending it. My guess is he knows the author. At any rate, sports broadcasting is definitely an interest of mine, and like most people my age, I have fond recollections of Pat and John calling NFC battles in the mid-90s (and before, and after). "Everson Walls ... interception .... touchdown." (I never was all that fond of Madden's "Boom! Whap!" routine ... even as a pre-adult, it seemed like pandering).
However, this book was in serious need of a quality editor. I didn't expect it to be a full bio of either man, but it's a confusing amalgam of stories about one or the other, in alternating chapters, and doesn't really get into the relationship between the two, other than to suggest (with zero consideration for any other duo) they are the greatest broadcasting team of all-time. Honestly, I'd still take Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy if I had my druthers.
What it is is a pretty decent, if thin, history of NFL broadcasting starting in the 1970s. It goes deep into the original pairing of Summerall and Tom Brookshier, the top announcing team at a time when the guys would show up for the games Sunday still reeking of the prior night's Scotch and sodas. And Podolsky also fully covers Summerall's public battle with alcoholism, including the details of the original intervention.
But IMO, there was too much information about the broadcast groups themselves. This book isn't really about announcing, or what made Summerall or Madden so memorable/great (yes, it talks about Summerall's spartan style, and gets into Madden's "everyman" appeal, but the accounts are all pretty superficial and didn't add much to my teen-aged memories of the pair ... yes, we remember he used to say "Murder .... She Wrote"). Instead, we spend a lot of time learning about the producers, technical assistants, etc., who worked with the team, probably because they were the author's primary sources. In fact, I think I learned more about Richie Zyontz (a young CBS Sports employee and friend of Madden) in this book then I did about his more famous mentor.
Also, the style made little to no sense. Every now and then, a few paragraphs would be set off in italics, which seemed to indicate it was the author's omniscient memory of the scene he was describing ... but then sometimes that treatment was used for a pull-quote from an old story ... or a quote from a character who was there at the time ... or something else entirely. The chapters flowed chronologically, which made sense, but there was hardly any discussion of the pairing between the men; we are only told they were the best ever -- over and over.
Also, there is barely a mention of Madden's equally famous "third act" (beyond coaching and announcing) as the man behind the most famous sports video game of all-time. There is plenty of discussion about a production of "The All-Madden Team" TV show(s), but practically nothing about the game that made Madden famous among kids my son's age, who never heard a single game he announced. Yet, at the same time, the author extensively covered Madden's Miller Lite commercials. These were obviously editorial choices, and the author likely stuck with what he knew from when he was working in the industry, but, for me, the choices didn't add up.
I do not intend to be overly harsh. Despite my rating, I still kinda enjoyed the book for its historical notes on the NFL broadcasting of my youth. (sidenote: I'd trade one 30-minute episode of "The NFL Today" for all the other pregame shows on every network, combined) If you have a similar affinity, I'd recommend you pick up a copy from your local library.
However, this book was in serious need of a quality editor. I didn't expect it to be a full bio of either man, but it's a confusing amalgam of stories about one or the other, in alternating chapters, and doesn't really get into the relationship between the two, other than to suggest (with zero consideration for any other duo) they are the greatest broadcasting team of all-time. Honestly, I'd still take Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy if I had my druthers.
What it is is a pretty decent, if thin, history of NFL broadcasting starting in the 1970s. It goes deep into the original pairing of Summerall and Tom Brookshier, the top announcing team at a time when the guys would show up for the games Sunday still reeking of the prior night's Scotch and sodas. And Podolsky also fully covers Summerall's public battle with alcoholism, including the details of the original intervention.
But IMO, there was too much information about the broadcast groups themselves. This book isn't really about announcing, or what made Summerall or Madden so memorable/great (yes, it talks about Summerall's spartan style, and gets into Madden's "everyman" appeal, but the accounts are all pretty superficial and didn't add much to my teen-aged memories of the pair ... yes, we remember he used to say "Murder .... She Wrote"). Instead, we spend a lot of time learning about the producers, technical assistants, etc., who worked with the team, probably because they were the author's primary sources. In fact, I think I learned more about Richie Zyontz (a young CBS Sports employee and friend of Madden) in this book then I did about his more famous mentor.
Also, the style made little to no sense. Every now and then, a few paragraphs would be set off in italics, which seemed to indicate it was the author's omniscient memory of the scene he was describing ... but then sometimes that treatment was used for a pull-quote from an old story ... or a quote from a character who was there at the time ... or something else entirely. The chapters flowed chronologically, which made sense, but there was hardly any discussion of the pairing between the men; we are only told they were the best ever -- over and over.
Also, there is barely a mention of Madden's equally famous "third act" (beyond coaching and announcing) as the man behind the most famous sports video game of all-time. There is plenty of discussion about a production of "The All-Madden Team" TV show(s), but practically nothing about the game that made Madden famous among kids my son's age, who never heard a single game he announced. Yet, at the same time, the author extensively covered Madden's Miller Lite commercials. These were obviously editorial choices, and the author likely stuck with what he knew from when he was working in the industry, but, for me, the choices didn't add up.
I do not intend to be overly harsh. Despite my rating, I still kinda enjoyed the book for its historical notes on the NFL broadcasting of my youth. (sidenote: I'd trade one 30-minute episode of "The NFL Today" for all the other pregame shows on every network, combined) If you have a similar affinity, I'd recommend you pick up a copy from your local library.
June 22, 2025
Rich Podolsky's latest offering, a vibrant celebration of two broadcasting titans, delivers precisely what a standout summer read should: engaging prose, fascinating history, and a generous helping of humor. Far more than just a chronicle of John Madden and Pat Summerall's iconic partnership, this book serves as an indispensable primer on the evolution of NFL television broadcasting. It’s a must-read for any sports broadcasting enthusiast eager to delve into the careers of two of the very best.
What truly elevates this book is Rich's privileged access and personal connection to John Madden. This insider perspective injects the narrative with a wealth of fresh anecdotes and unique insights, enriching the reading experience without ever feeling self-serving. Rather than a linear, day-by-day account of their time together, the book thoughtfully lays the groundwork, dedicating its initial half to setting the stage and tracing the individual journeys that brought Madden and Summerall to their legendary on-air pairing. Readers seeking a minute-by-minute transcript of their broadcasts will find a different, though equally rewarding, experience here. While specific "Pat said this, then John said this" moments are present and delightful, the book prioritizes a broader, more contextual understanding of their impact.
Ultimately, this is the hallmark of a truly compelling sports book. It’s a swift, captivating read that simultaneously serves as a conduit for learning, offering valuable insights into the formative years of a cultural phenomenon. Highly recommended for its entertainment value and its unexpected educational depth.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programing: "Murder...She Wrote."
What truly elevates this book is Rich's privileged access and personal connection to John Madden. This insider perspective injects the narrative with a wealth of fresh anecdotes and unique insights, enriching the reading experience without ever feeling self-serving. Rather than a linear, day-by-day account of their time together, the book thoughtfully lays the groundwork, dedicating its initial half to setting the stage and tracing the individual journeys that brought Madden and Summerall to their legendary on-air pairing. Readers seeking a minute-by-minute transcript of their broadcasts will find a different, though equally rewarding, experience here. While specific "Pat said this, then John said this" moments are present and delightful, the book prioritizes a broader, more contextual understanding of their impact.
Ultimately, this is the hallmark of a truly compelling sports book. It’s a swift, captivating read that simultaneously serves as a conduit for learning, offering valuable insights into the formative years of a cultural phenomenon. Highly recommended for its entertainment value and its unexpected educational depth.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programing: "Murder...She Wrote."
July 7, 2025
Madden & Summerall is a poignant examination of what many would argue was the greatest football broadcast team in TV history. Author Rich Podolsky provides abbreviated biographies of both Pat Summerall and John Madden, one a former NFL player, the other a former NFL Coach, prior to the men joining in the television booth for the first time in 1975. It was a partnership from broadcast heaven, and anyone who had the pleasure of listening to these two giants on Sundays call NFL games will enjoy this look back at a time when television sports came of age.
While football was common to these two men in fact they were very different people. Summerall had a good career in the NFL as a player before he became a broadcaster and eventually the voice of every major sports event broadcast on CBS. Madden also played, but injuries prevented any career in professional football until he began working as a coach. Summerall was an alcoholic, and he did a good job hiding his problem for years. Madden was a football coach who knew nothing about television or broadcasting, but was a good student and found a strong mentor in Pat Summerall.
The book is full of stories that will have you laughing and remembering some of the great plays in NFL history. The prose is far from elegant, and there is plenty of coarse language. But it is a delightful read for those of us who made Sunday afternoons appointment television. There are some nice photographs of the principals throughout the book although most favor Madden and his family.
I want to thank Rich Podolsky, Lyons Books, and NetGalley for the opporunity to review this new book. I attest this is my own original work.
While football was common to these two men in fact they were very different people. Summerall had a good career in the NFL as a player before he became a broadcaster and eventually the voice of every major sports event broadcast on CBS. Madden also played, but injuries prevented any career in professional football until he began working as a coach. Summerall was an alcoholic, and he did a good job hiding his problem for years. Madden was a football coach who knew nothing about television or broadcasting, but was a good student and found a strong mentor in Pat Summerall.
The book is full of stories that will have you laughing and remembering some of the great plays in NFL history. The prose is far from elegant, and there is plenty of coarse language. But it is a delightful read for those of us who made Sunday afternoons appointment television. There are some nice photographs of the principals throughout the book although most favor Madden and his family.
I want to thank Rich Podolsky, Lyons Books, and NetGalley for the opporunity to review this new book. I attest this is my own original work.
September 4, 2025
I want to thank The Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc., Lyons Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Madden & Summerall: How They Revolutionized NFL Broadcasting. All opinions presented here are my own.
As a kid growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Madden and Summerall were the voices of my fall. From September through January, every Sunday, my TV was tuned to football. And more often than not, I heard these two men talking about my favorite sport for three hours.
While I loved learning more about Madden and Summerall, their backgrounds made them into the men we all knew and loved; the book was a bit clunky at times. When the author quoted people interviewed for the book, he consistently used the phrase, “when contacted for this book.” Maybe use that phrase at the beginning of the book, or not at all. But it definitely didn’t need to be used repeatedly.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Madden & Summerall. While reading it, I laughed, cried, and definitely smiled! Who do I think would enjoy this book? People like me, who grew up in the 80s and 90s, watched football every week.
As a kid growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Madden and Summerall were the voices of my fall. From September through January, every Sunday, my TV was tuned to football. And more often than not, I heard these two men talking about my favorite sport for three hours.
While I loved learning more about Madden and Summerall, their backgrounds made them into the men we all knew and loved; the book was a bit clunky at times. When the author quoted people interviewed for the book, he consistently used the phrase, “when contacted for this book.” Maybe use that phrase at the beginning of the book, or not at all. But it definitely didn’t need to be used repeatedly.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Madden & Summerall. While reading it, I laughed, cried, and definitely smiled! Who do I think would enjoy this book? People like me, who grew up in the 80s and 90s, watched football every week.
September 28, 2025
I was aware of who Madden and Summerall were and was eager to read this book.
I am glad this book didn’t go into extreme details for every NFL game John Madden and Pat Summerall worked together as broadcast partners. This book highlighted how they got started as broadcasters and how they got together as told from people who had a front row seat to them, as well as Pat’s playing career and John’s coaching career. There were plenty of stories from them both before and during there time together, and for John’s, I had a quite a few LOL moments.
Discussed in the book is Pat’s alcoholism, John’s claustrophobia, and of course there deaths. Of course, EA Sports and the Madden game franchise is mentioned along with the All-Madden NFL teams.
The stories of everything are told by Pat, John, work colleagues, former players, friends, family, and the author himself.
I was thinking of one word that comes to mind for all the games Madden and Summerall worked as a team, and that word is DESTINY. I am reading another book about two NBA players who came together to win a championship, and DESTINY again is a word that describes them.
I am glad this book didn’t go into extreme details for every NFL game John Madden and Pat Summerall worked together as broadcast partners. This book highlighted how they got started as broadcasters and how they got together as told from people who had a front row seat to them, as well as Pat’s playing career and John’s coaching career. There were plenty of stories from them both before and during there time together, and for John’s, I had a quite a few LOL moments.
Discussed in the book is Pat’s alcoholism, John’s claustrophobia, and of course there deaths. Of course, EA Sports and the Madden game franchise is mentioned along with the All-Madden NFL teams.
The stories of everything are told by Pat, John, work colleagues, former players, friends, family, and the author himself.
I was thinking of one word that comes to mind for all the games Madden and Summerall worked as a team, and that word is DESTINY. I am reading another book about two NBA players who came together to win a championship, and DESTINY again is a word that describes them.
July 19, 2025
An outstanding biography of Madden and Summerville. I can remember watching many games broadcast by this duo. The story was riveting, and I found I could not stop until I finished the book. Some biography books that go out of the way to destroy the character they are presenting. This book did not. The author did not hide the flaws, but nor did the author destroy the men. The book showed a lot of behind-the-scenes stories to provide the history of how the duo became so great. There will never be a pair of announcers like Maddon or Summerall, ones who made the common sports fan to feel appreciated and part of the action. A great read for all sports fans!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 21, 2025
I'm not sure there's a reasonable argument against John Madden and Pat Summerall being the best broadcasting team covering the NFL. Considering the blowhards now on the air, the memories they invoke remind you of a time when muting the TV during a game didn't make sense. While this book does give the pair its due, it falls short in giving a fairly cursory look at their work. The points made here can be found in books already written about both men, including some autobiographies. An even better source is a book by Terry O'Neil, the CBS executive who helped put them together. O'Neil's The Game Behind The Game does a great job explaining the dynamics that made them so effective.
September 23, 2025
Like millions of other football fans, I enjoyed listening to Madden and Summerall call NFL games, and this book brought back some great memories. Podolsky does a wonderful job showing how different the two were and why that made their partnership work so well. Lots of great stories, many I’d never heard before, and the book really captures the feel of NFL football from that era. Reading this also made me more interested in Summerall, so I picked up his autobiography. I’ve also added Podolsky’s other book You Are Looking Live to my to-read list. If you enjoy sports on TV and want to take a peak behind the scenes, you will like this book.
June 17, 2025
What a wonderful book which entertained and educated me. I spent much of the 80s in the US and was a massive aficionado of the NFL and particularly the dream commentary partnership of the immortal Pat Summerall and John Madden.
This book brought back so many evocative memories of great games and great fun, wit, expertise and repartee in the commentary box.
The book is a thorough deep dive into both men’s careers, the problems they faced and how they developed into the great team that they were.
This book brought back so many evocative memories of great games and great fun, wit, expertise and repartee in the commentary box.
The book is a thorough deep dive into both men’s careers, the problems they faced and how they developed into the great team that they were.
October 25, 2025
I wanted to adore this book, which was recommended by Matt Continetti on a recent Commentary podcast. And it's not without redeeming stories and anecdotes. But it fails to deliver on its premise -- how Madden and Summerall "revolutionized NFL broadcasting." More pertinently, it reads as if it was hastily assembled, almost cut and pasted from transcripts and emails rather than written. It's a light read, but ultimately an insubstantial one.
October 1, 2025
outstanding
These two narrated the soundtrack for many a fall Sunday. Fascinating to read how they came together and how their relationship worked for so many years
These two narrated the soundtrack for many a fall Sunday. Fascinating to read how they came together and how their relationship worked for so many years
October 8, 2025
Great story about the best team to ever call NFL games! Legends forever!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews