Former Michigan football walk-on gets first coaching job with NFL team

Posted by author February 19, 2025 NFL

Spread the love

Michigan football fans knew of one former walk-on despite him never seeing the field, due to his family legacy. The grandson of legendary NFL broadcaster and coach John Madden, Jesse Madden got his start as a backup quarterback before switching to defensive back. He many not have been a key player on the field in games, but he was someone who the maize and blue faithful were well aware of due to his famous name.

Now Madden is looking to make a name for himself, rather than existing in his grandfather’s shadow. Per an official cable from the Washington Commanders, Madden is joining the coaching staff as an offensive quality control coach, thus officially starting his coaching career.

It’s a big step from college walk-on to the NFL coaching ranks.

Via the Commanders:

Jesse Madden, the grandson of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Madden, will enter his first season in the NFL after graduating from the University of Michigan. At Michigan, Madden played quarterback in his freshman season before switching to defensive back. Madden was a member of the 2024 national championship team at Michigan.

In the NFL, all sub-field coaching positions do have the opportunity to coach players, much like analysts now have the opportunity to do at the college level.

Madden will reteam with former Michigan football team captain Mike Sainristil, who was in a starring (and starting) role for the Commanders last season, culminating in a playoff run to the NFC Championship Game.