John Madden Travels Back to Nebraska
NFL Commentator John Madden Returns to Kearney, Neb., in 'Madden Cruiser'

The Associated Press


 
KEARNEY, Neb. Oct. 19, 2002 

John Madden's fear of flying has reunited him with some old friends.

The Monday Night Football commentator, who refuses to fly and goes from 
game to game in a custom-made bus called the "Madden Cruiser," first met 
the Kimple family in Kearney in 1990.

He was photographed signing an autograph for them and the shot made it 
into Sports Illustrated.

On Friday, Madden was in Kearney again, and Kerry Kimple spotted the bus 
outside the Skeeter Barnes restaurant.

"I just couldn't believe he was in town, especially after meeting him 
here 12 years ago," Kimple said. "I found him in the restaurant, asked 
if I had time to go get that old Sports Illustrated so he could sign it, 
and I was out the door."

Kimple also brought his daughter, Lindsy, who was 4 years old when she 
met Madden on his last visit. She got another photo with the former 
football coach.

"How fun was that?" Madden asked. "I met that little girl when she 
was 4 years old, and here she is again today ... all grown up and still 
in Kearney talking to John Madden again. That's quite a story isn't it?"