John Madden, why am I supposed to ask you about the bullfrog? ‘Well, that’s a funny story.’
I had to look up if you were still with us or if you have passed on. Your energy is still very present. ‘I love it here. My work is not done. There are so many to inspire into action. You thought being on the field was hard! People do not stop to listen!! Boy, but when they do, my God, powerful.’
What is the frog story? It sounds a bit crazy. ‘Well, that’s not too far off from the lot of football players. We all have to be a little crazy to love a game like that! So, there I was…’
Oh no, you did not just say that!! ‘Oh, Yes I Did! SO THERE I WAS…It was hot. It was humid. Louisiana hot and humid. There was a frog on the field.’
Was this during a game? ‘Nah, the day before but I missed most of practice. I had to give that frog it’s best chance of life. What’s funny is a big ‘ol gator probably ate him. He was better off and safer where he was before I interrupted his plans.’
Do you really think so? ‘Ya, I do.’
Is that a metaphor for something? ‘Nah, not everything has to have this big, mysterious meaning to it. Sometimes we just have to take things at face value. It’s the intension that is important here.’
Is that like giving to the homeless on the street and they possibly use that money for booze or drugs? Our intension with the giving was pure. ‘That’s exactly the same. Strange, isn’t it.’
Yes, very strange. Did you have a name for your frog friend? (John smiles.) You already know it, I see your smile girl!!’ (John gives me high fives!)
Jeremiah! ‘Yes girl!!’ (John gives me more high fives!)
I love your enthusiasm. ‘Don’t loose that. Stay connected. Relationships matter, sports matter, teams matter, camaraderie matters. It all matters. Be the best person you can be. Work hard to better yourself. Show up for yourself and others. Be in it, live your life, get off of those sidelines. Play, get in the game. This game called life, this is why you are here, play baby play!’
Thank you John, just beautiful. ‘Thank you for asking about the frog!’
Channeled message from John Madden. Born, April 10th, 1936 and died December 28, 2021. John was a football player, coach and sports commentator for the NFL. Madden has the most wins as a head coach in Raiders history with 103 wins. John coined the phrase, “If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.”