If you're a football fan, you've probably heard of Madden NFL, the popular video game franchise that lets players simulate and control their own football teams. However, long before Madden, there was another classic football game that captured the imagination of kids everywhere: Electric Football.

Electric Football was a tabletop game that involved figurines and a vibrating board. The game was invented in the 1940s by Tudor Games, and it quickly became a sensation. Kids all over the country would spend hours setting up their teams and playing out imaginary football games. The early version of the game was not without its flaws, however. The figurines were often difficult to control, and the battery would wear out quickly, making the game frustrating for some to play. But despite these issues, Electric Football endured as a beloved pastime for generations of football fans. Today, there is still a dedicated Electric Football community that meets regularly to compete in tournaments and share their love for the game. One of the most notable events is the annual Electric Football World Championships, which draws players from around the world to compete for the title of world champion.

In a video produced by NFL Films, several legendary NFL coaches, including Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren, Norv Turner, Herm Edwards, Brian Billik, Andy Reid, and Jon Gruden, share their early experiences with the game and express their surprise to learn that Electric Football still has a loyal fanbase of dedicated coaches who compete on a national level. The video then takes you along on a journey to the 13th annual Electric Football convention held in Jacksonville, where coaches compete in a tournament to see who will be crowned champion.

Along the way, you'll meet some of the game's most passionate fans, including Lynn Schmidt and Norbert Revels. These players explain why Electric Football has endured as a hobby throughout the years, despite the rise of video games and other modern distractions. Notably, the NFL Films video also follows a few of the best players in the Electric Football community at the time, including the defending champion "Big Keith" Chalmers, a legendary figure in the sport. The video also pays tribute to Ron Bell, a New Orleans native and Hurricane Katrina victim, who is a sentimental favorite in the league.

Overall, Electric Football is a beloved classic game that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of strategy, skill, and imagination has captured the hearts of generations of football fans, including some of the sport's greatest coaches. If you're curious to see this fascinating game in action and meet its passionate fanbase, check out the NFL Films video that takes you on a journey to the 13th annual Electric Football convention. You'll see why Weirdwolf, Keith Chalmers, and other players are so devoted to this hobby, and why Electric Football continues to endure as a beloved pastime to this day.

Click here to watch the video!