It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving, and millions of people across the country are getting ready for turkey feasts, family time, and one of the most cherished holiday traditions—Thanksgiving Day football.

What makes Thanksgiving football such a special part of the holiday? How does it bring together themes of family, food, and community? How did John Madden’s larger-than-life personality make it all feel so iconic?

In this episode of Sportly, Kavitha Davidson dives into the life and legacy of John Madden, the legendary NFL coach and commentator who forever changed how we experience football. From leading the Oakland Raiders to playoff glory to becoming the voice of the game for generations, Madden left an indelible mark on the sport.

But his influence doesn’t stop there. Madden took Thanksgiving football to a whole new level, introducing quirky traditions like the six-legged turkey and his beloved turducken, turning these games into something truly unforgettable.

Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele

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