Fall 2024

SHORT CUTS COMMUNITY An incredibly lifelike bronze sculpture of John Madden by award-winning sculptor Steven Whyte now sits in front of Bruno’s Market, where Madden was a regular. W hen the late football legend John Madden was in Carmel enjoying his ocean-front vacation home, he began his days at Bruno’s Market. “John came in the store every morning he was in town,” says Bruno’s proprietor Fermin Sanchez. “He’d grab the papers, a cup of coffee and an apple fritter.” Gregarious and larger than life, Madden loved sitting on the store’s bench, sipping coffee and chatting with passersby. Now, he’s been memorialized via a life-size bronze likeness sitting in a place of honor outside the market. Crafted by sculptor Steven Whyte, the piece was a collaborative effort between Sanchez and Carmel Cares co-founder Dale Byrne. “We all got together and came up with the funding,” Sanchez says. Byrne handled the permitting process. The statue was unveiled at a well-attended ceremony on May 17, 2024, with Madden’s widow, Virginia, in attendance. No doubt, Madden would have loved this. “John treasured his getaway time in Carmel,” recalls his friend, CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz. “He had a couple of his closest friends in the world down our way. In a sense, you could say being here was almost a spiritual experience for John.” Bruno’s Market is located on Junipero at Sixth in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Football Legend is Honored at One of His Favor ite Spots B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD 84 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 4 Photo: Kelli Uldall