Madden at Cal Poly
Madden played offensive and defensive line for Cal Poly in 1957 and 1958, earning all-California Collegiate Athletic Association honors as an offensive lineman. He also played catcher for Cal Poly Baseball in 1958 and 1959. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1959 and a master’s degree in education in 1961.
Throughout his life, Madden remained deeply connected to Cal Poly. He supported Cal Poly Athletics as a fundraiser in the 1980s and helped advance the 1991 athletics referendum that led to Cal Poly’s elevation to NCAA Division I status. He was inducted into the inaugural Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1987.
No. 74 Forever
In August 2026, Cal Poly retired Madden’s No. 74 during the football home opener.
The retirement of Madden’s No. 74 marks only the second time Cal Poly Football has bestowed the honor. The program’s other retired number, No. 45, honors All-American linebacker Osbaldo Orozco.
Madden’s recognition reflects his extraordinary legacy in football and his lifelong pride in and support of his alma mater.
The John Madden Football Center
The John Madden Football Center gives today’s Mustang student-athletes a place to train, recover, study and build community.
Home to Cal Poly Football, the center includes team meeting rooms, strength and conditioning areas, medical and training spaces, coaches’ offices and student-athlete gathering areas. It was designed to support every aspect of the student-athlete experience.
Every day, the John Madden Football Center helps prepare the next generation of Mustangs to learn and lead. It is a lasting tribute to an alumnus whose pride in Cal Poly helped shape the program for generations to come.
