Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn shares his John Madden story

Many who follow or work in the NFL have a John Madden story, and Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn shared his on Thursday.

As the NFL mourns the loss of legendary coach, broadcaster and video game namesake John Madden, many are sharing their perspective on and stories about the man. During his Thursday press conference, Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn shared his Madden story from during his time as the Chargers’ head coach.

"I did know Coach Madden a little bit. I guess one of the stories with him is he called me about five years ago, and my phone rang. I answered my phone and I said, ‘Hello,’ and he goes, ‘This is John Madden.’ I say, ‘Yeah, this is Barack Obama, who the hell is this?’ He said, ‘No, this is John Madden.’ I was like, ‘Come on man, who is this? I don’t have time for this nonsense.’ And he goes, ‘Coach, this is John Madden, and I’m calling to ask you if you’d like to be on the Competition Committee.’I was like, ‘Oh, (expletive).’ After apologizing several times, we had a good 30-minute conversation and I’ve got to tell you, he had so much wisdom. When he talked, I listened. That 30-minute conversation, the first conversation I ever had with him, I learned a lot.”"

How did Anthony Lynn not realize it was John Madden on the phone?

Madden had an unmistakable and distinct voice, though it’s fair to be skeptical about someone calling and doing a great job mimicking him.  When asked why he was surprised at the call, Lynn said, “I didn’t know John Madden had my phone number. It just kind of caught me off guard a little bit.” That’s certainly understandable–who would expect John Madden to call?

Madden was calling to ask Lynn about joining the Competition Committee, and he did take the offer.