To some, “Madden” is the name of the most influential sports video game of all-time. To others, the greatest color commentator in sports television history. And the most senior among us, the head coach who compiled the greatest winning percentage in modern NFL history. For decades, John Madden played a large part in one of America’s greatest rituals, becoming as much of a fixture in U.S. homes on Thanksgiving Day as turkey, stuffing and your crazy uncle. So on this special Thanksgiving holiday episode we look at what life would’ve been like had Madden never stepped away from coaching. How long would the Oakland Raiders have remained on top of the NFL? What network would abandon their sports division? Why would football players have a harder time learning their playbooks? And what would all of this have to do with beer, cholesterol and the life expectancy of U.S. men? On this episode of Alternate Routes we cover all that plus touchdowns and turduckens. Boom.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there anything that destroys the fortunes of a franchise more than a premium draft pick going bust? Even worse, when the next player…or two…or three…go on to have Hall of Fame careers. That’s exactly the scenario for the 2003 Detroit Pistons. Eighteen-year-old LeBron James went to the Cavs with the first pick and Detroit was on the clock at no. 2. The reigning king of college basketball, Carmelo Anthony, was there for the taking (so were Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade). But instead, Detroit’s braintrust chose a different 18-year old, 7-foot Serbian Darko Milicic who, despite lasting 10 seasons in the league, became the epitome of an NBA draft bust. But what if the Pistons, who won the 2003-04 NBA title despite the pick, chose Carmelo instead? Would playing with veterans like Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace have silenced Melo’s critics and led to multiple Motor City rings? How would LeBron’s career have been altered with a young rival in the division? Would Darko have benefitted from being in a different locale? And what does all of this have to do with MTV and Eminem? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. Each week, Luke Lamana, a Marine Corp Reconnaissance Veteran, pulls back the curtain on what once was classified information exposing the secrets and lies behind the world’s most powerful institutions. From the hitmakers at Wondery and Ballen Studios, we bring you REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana. The stories are real, and the secrets are shocking.

Listen Now: http://wondery.fm/REDACTED

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.