Daily Madden: From NFL To Professional Boxing
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Baltimore Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski is staying busy during the NFL lockout by boxing professionally. John Madden told the KCBS morning crew that he's seen Zbikowski fight. "He's closer to a 'tomato can' than a professional fighter, but he's not bad," said Madden. "If he fights a 'tomato can' he's okay."
During his daily chat with the KCBS morning crew, Madden recalled another NFL pro who became a professional boxer, Charlie Powell. Powell was an extraordinary athlete, who went straight from high school in San Diego to a starting defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers in 1952. At 19 years old, he was the youngest player in NFL history. "He was LeBron James before LeBron James," Madden said.
Madden also remarked on San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, who had a no-hitter through six innings in Colorado Monday night. Should the play-by-play team talk about it on air, and risk "jinxing" the no-hitter? Madden agreed it's important that broadcasters let the audience know what's going on, but that doesn't mean necessarily using the words "no-hitter." "If it's a real tradition and part of your tradition... you stay with it." (8:05)
