John Madden was born and lived for a few years in Austin, Minn.
Let's claim him.
It's what we do, and Madden would be a wonderful addition to the Minnesota pantheon.
For the first time in my life, I am about to quote Roger Goodell without wincing. The NFL commissioner said: "John Madden is to the NFL what Elvis is to rock'n'roll. He is the king.''
Goodell is right. Madden took an intricate sport rising in popularity and made it accessible to people who had never worn a facemask.
Madden, who died this week at 85, was an anomaly in many ways.