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From the moment it first debuted in 1988, John Madden Football has pushed the technical limits of what a video game can do.

Now simply referred to as Madden, it's become one of the most popular titles in the history

of video gaming, and it's had a big impact on the game of football itself.

But despite its current day success, the game has had its challenges along the way and almost

didn't make it to market.

This week, how John Madden went from football player and coach to the heart of a billion-dollar

franchise.

Here's actor and video game fan Will Wheaton telling the story of Madden's game. Steelers are leading 1312, late stage's third quarter with a third and nine at their own two.

Ben is back.

He fires down the field and it's calling a dead run.

That is Jiu-Chu-Smith Schuster.

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown.

98 yards to the rookie Juju.

We got Juju right here, too, so I can't know he was in here.

When 20-year-old Juju Smith-Schuster stepped to the mic for a post-game press conference,

J-Ju-Ju, where'd you get all that speed?

A different kind of game was on his mind.

I don't know, to be honest, the reason I kept looking back,

because if I, you know, I'm madden, my speed is like 82, 83.

So I was like, no, I didn't get catch me and then catch me,

and next thing you know, I pulled away.

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