John Madsen (American football)

John Christopher Madsen (born May 9, 1983) is a former American football tight end. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Utah.

He was also member of the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Locomotives and Detroit Lions.

Early life
He graduated in 2001 from Hunter High School in West Valley City, Utah, having never played football. He played basketball in high school. He played college football for Snow College, his first organized team.

Oakland Raiders
Originally a wide receiver, Madsen was converted to tight end in order to make the team. He was the only undrafted free agent to make the Raiders' initial 53-man squad in 2006. Undrafted rookies WR Will Buchanan and OLB Ricky Brown were signed to the active roster later in the season. Madsen was an exclusive-rights free agent in 2008 and re-signed on March 21. He was released by the team on September 20 after tight end Ben Troupe was signed.

Madsen was re-signed by the Raiders after offensive tackle Seth Wand was placed on injured reserve on October 6, 2008. He was released again on November 13.

Cleveland Browns
Madsen was signed by the Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2008, after tight end Steve Heiden was placed on injured reserve but only saw action in 4 games. He was waived on August 24, 2009.

Detroit Lions
Madsen signed with the Detroit Lions on May 11, 2010, but was waived 3 days later on May 14.