(LOT 1748)
Original 1988 John Madden Football Game for Apple ll Autographed by John Madden PSA/DNA Authentic LOA
The NFL suffered a huge loss this past December when one of the great voices of the sport, John Madden, passed away. But Madden's death reached far beyond the players of whom he coached or the fans he captivated as a commentator for Monday Night Football. He was one-of-a-kind and he left an indelible mark on football around the globe, but much of that notoriety was earned as part of a video game. A video game you ask? Absolutely! The Madden name is virtually synonymous with football video games and has been so since the first incarnation of John Madden Football back in 1988. In 1988, after Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins was spurned by Joe Montana and Joe Kapp to help create a football game, Madden agreed with the demand that the game present as close to reality as possible. Madden viewed the venture as a way to teach and educate players and fans about the intricacies of the game that had given him so much. Using realistic situations such as 11 players (a difficult process given the original technology), penalties, time of quarters, player fatigue, injuries and actual plays and strategies the game revolutionized how gamers thought and played.

Offered here is an original John Madden Football game signed by the larger-than-life coach (in silver paint pen (8-9 strength)) seemingly bursting through the front cover. "BOOM!!" Complete with the Original John Madden Football Apple II Box signed in silver paint pen across the front with all floppy discs, manuals, playbooks and components included. The box is technically VG-EX with minor retail stocking and storage aging, showing light creasing at the opening book-cover corner and on the reverse as well as edge wear throughout. Game play is abundantly apparent, though still in wonderful condition for a 33-year-old video game that presents much nicer and is strikingly eye appealing. We would like to tell you that the game is in perfect working condition, but the difficulty finding and Apple II in working condition might be as difficult to find as understanding some of Madden's elaborate play telestrations.

This is an amazingly well-preserved autographed archive from one of the most lovable sports figures in history and the greatest sports video game in existence. With video games currently at the virtual apex of popularity, John Madden's name will continue resonate to the far ends of the earth with now-Madden NFL fans and gamers enjoying his innovative and groundbreaking video game legacy for years to come. This is quite possibly the only example of the very first edition of the most iconic sports video game autographed by the very person who was the driving force behind it. A legend in coaching, broadcasting and, finally, gaming. BOOM!! PSA/DNA authenticated
MIN BID $2,000
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