Former Cardinal named MVP
June 9, 2000
Sam Madison, the Dolphins’ second-round draft choice in 1997, was presented with the first Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award in a vote of the South Florida media and Dolphin fans.
Madison is the first defensive back ever to be named the team’s MVP and he is the first defensive player to be honored since linebacker Zach Thomas in 1996.
Overall, Madison is just the fourth defensive player to earn this award, joining linebacker Nick Buoniconti (1969), linebacker Steve Towle (1976) and Thomas. Last season, Madison tied for the NFL-lead with a team-high seven interceptions, including one return for a touchdown. He was named as a starter to the AFC Pro Bowl squad, the first cornerback in team history to be voted to the Pro Bowl. He also was named to numerous All-Pro teams and was the NFL Alumni Association’s Defensive Back of the Year. In addition, he was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week three times in 1999, just the second player in NFL history to win that award three times in the same season.
However, Madison may have been overshadowed this week by father Sam Sr., who became the first person to receive the Florida Supreme Court's chief justice commendation for heroism Monday in Tallahassee.
On Sept. 13, 1998, after watching his son and the Dolphins beat Buffalo, Madison Sr. and his son saw a traffic accident outside Pro Player Stadium. A police officer was hit by a car.
Madison Sr., 57, administered CPR while his son went for help. The two helped save the life of Miami Metro-Dade officer Rueben Jones. Madison Sr. is a retired Monticello police officer and has worked as a security officer at the Supreme Court since 1992.
Madison played for the Cardinals from 1993-96. During his stay he established a new Louisville record for career interceptions with 16. His seven interceptions in 1995 also ranks second for interceptions in a season, one behind Ray Buchanan.
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