Better writers than myself have already thoroughly covered early Madden game aspects like tackling and injuring players after the whistle, the ambulance that would come on the field after such an injury, and other memorable aspects, but I do not know if anyone has covered Madden 96’s true legacy: the QB Waggle.
I did not know anything about defenses, offenses, or any of the specific rules of football while playing Madden 96. But I could tell what worked, and I used only one play: QB Waggle. I do not want to get too much into the Xs and Os, but in the QB Waggle, the QB would drop back, the rest of the players would do something (it is not clear what it was), and I would use the QB to run around the left side and gain 10-15 yards per play. And if I was within 10-15 yards of the end-zone? Well, before you know it I would be Waggling into the end-zone, the three frame animation of the ref giving the TD signal would pop up, and I would be mashing the L and R buttons to blow sweet whistles of celebration. These moments of triumph were made possible by the Waggle.
I found a website called BUCKSWEEP.COM that has a page called “The Waggle the Best Play in Football.” I did not read the website, and I do not know why his logo is of a buck holding a crude and frightening version of a football, but I respect the documentation of the QB Waggle. I encourage everyone to read this website. I have not actually read the website myself, but I assume that his page is all about Madden 96 and the QB Waggle. BUCKSWEEP.COM, I salute you.
Where was I going with this? Right, so Madden 96’s introduction of the QB Waggle play inspired NFL coaches to adjust their strategies. Sure enough, five years later, Michael Vick began running an offense that appeared to be based solely upon the QB Waggle. The Waggle became King. QBs who were fast, nimble, and could run the Waggle, like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, began dominating the NFL and racking up MVP awards. Defenses tried to adjust. Defensive coaches were said to have spent many sleepless nights running the QB Waggle on Madden 96 to find a counter. But there was, and is, no counter to the QB Waggle.
Eventually, the NFL decided that a rule change was needed to stop the Waggle. On November 21, 2011, the NFL Competition Committee passed a rule banning use of the Waggle. Rule 4.12.1 now states as follows:
“(a) QB Waggle: Use of the QB Waggle shall be subject to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and loss of down.
(1) QB Waggle – Definition: when a play is run in which the QB has no idea what he is supposed to do and simply runs around the left hand side of the line and gains 10-15 yards.
(2) The penalty imposed by Rule 4.12.1 shall also result in ejection of the Quarterback if the QB Waggle results in a touchdown and if following said touchdown, the QB uses his powers to blow whistles in celebration.”
The results of the rule passage were immediate. Players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning who relied on their legs to win games had to learn how to play from the pocket. Mark Sanchez’s career was derailed by the “Butt Fumble” when he tried to avoid the QB Waggle penalty by running straight into his offensive lineman after dropping back on a play in which he had no idea what to do.
Mark Sanchez Avoids a 15-Yard Penalty
Is the NFL in a better place after the QB Waggle era? It is hard to say definitively one way or another. What is clear is that Madden 96 forever changed the game.
The “Butt fumble” is the worst penalty there is. There shouldn’t be a 15 yard penalty for the QB Waggle but just a penalty dubbed the “Butt Fumble”. No loss in yards, but you’re now called “Butt Fumble.”
“Nice hustle Butt Fumble.”
Great article. The QB waggle is the defining play of professional football and the derailment of Mark Sanchez career would make an epic Greek tragedy. I’m glad somebody put this out there because I know in the minds of every broadcaster during the lull of calling a game they hear the whispered suggestion of telling the audience that this would be the most opportune time for QB Waggle.