Local Raiders fans reflect on the life of legendary head coach John Madden

FOX 9's Adam Klepp met members of the 928 Border Raider Nation to learn about Madden's legacy

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - NFL Hall of Famer, Super Bowl-winning coach, and longtime TV analyst, John Madden died on December 28th at the age of 85.

In Yuma, a strong group of Raider fans, who call themselves the "928 Border Raider Nation", remember their legendary coach.

Fans, like Dominic Lopez, also known as “Bane Da Raider”, say Madden was more than a coach.

“Loving games growing up, playing the madden game, to my son playing the madden game, he covers so many generations, and that everyone knows who he is, but everyone knows him as something different,” Lopez said.

Madden's success on the field is what drew border raider nation Vice President Jenny Cardona to the team, as she grew up in Los Angeles when the Raiders played there.

John Madden had a winning record every year he was head coach of the Raiders, and won Super Bowl XI with the team.

“With what he did for the raiders, I can honestly say I idolized the man, and what he stood for," Cardona said.

This Sunday, the Raiders play the Colts. For the members of 928 Border Raider Nation, the game will mean so much more. Not only with Madden's recent passing, but with the team on the hunt to make the playoffs.

“We gotta win this one for John. We have to win this one for John," Lopez said.

For Cardona, this Sunday is about honoring a life well lived.

“We’re celebrating someone who left a big mark for us, and generations to come,” Cardona said.

The Border Raider Nation wants to invite anyone to come watch the games with them on Sundays at Brewers, even if you’re not a Raiders fan.

Still, no matter who you root for, this Sunday it’s best to wear black.