Exclusive: John Madsen talks about return to Raiders
The S&B Report had an opportunity to catch up with recently re-signed tight end John Madsen. After being released on September 20th, Oakland brought him back this week to help out a wide receiver/tight end unit that is looking for some pop. The undrafted free agent in 2006 is a capable route runner and more adept in the passing game as a target, which could help the Raiders at this point, as they are struggling averaging 153.0 yards passing per game (29th in the NFL). Here is what Madsen had to say about his return:
Did you already ‘turn it off’ for the season after you got cut initially? Were you staying in shape?
I was staying in shape. I had a workout with Baltimore. I had another one scheduled with Cleveland and if that didn’t work out, Atlanta in the very next week. So I was continually on the phone with my agent trying to find a situation that would be best for me and meanwhile, the Raiders call me back, before I was going to go to Cleveland. They said they were going to sign me; it worked out good ‘cause I was staying in shape, doing all the necessary things.
It was just one of those things they let the agent know they really liked me back and I felt comfortable coming back. I have a lot of friends on the team. The coaches are very receptive of me. The other day when I came back in, right after I signed, they said they were glad to have me back. And hopefully, that works out for the best.
I already know the playbook. I’ve been here for two years now, so there is no learning curve or anything. It’s basically; pick up where I left off.
On playing playing special teams:
I do whatever I’m asked to do. Wherever they are going to throw me in, I’m going to do my best to get the job done.
About playing wide receiver:
I haven’t personally said anything to [Cable], but that’s something I definitely feel comfortable doing. Using me as a tight end, maybe getting some mismatches on the other side using my size against some other [defensive backs]. Hopefully we can implement some of that stuff into the offense, it would help me out a lot.
