Teflon the Don

Teflon Liza aka 'The Don' has been at the forefront of commissioning Madden leagues for years. G4R finally caught up to him for an in depth interview and wanted to shed his wisdom and insight on the Madden community. Like him or not he knows a thing or two about running successful franchises.

Since inception of Madden Connected Careers in Madden '13 (released in Aug 2012) one person had to step up take the reins and manage the volatile personalities of 31 other guys. It was no easy task as commish had to answer and settle all controversies. Over the years EA has eased the burden by allowing multiple commishs to manage disputes. Still on tough decisions it usually comes down to founder of league and that keeps many a commish up late at night. Madden has made many strides to make commissioners jobs easier but it has yet to replace the human touch.

Teflon Liza has experienced all of these obstacles and come through with flying colors. He lays down guidelines at beginning of season and enforces them. If a glitch or snafu comes up outside of rules he addresses it and makes adjustments asap. When a mistake has been made it's easy to jump on the bandwagon of naysayers and rain on his parade. Only the strong and confident march through the rain and persevere. He is humble enough to acknowledge errors and rectify them without retaliation.

Many know his name but few know what makes him tick! Well here is your rare window into one of Madden's most beloved commishs... here we go!

G4R: How long have you been playing Madden?
Teflon: Been playing madden for a long time.. To long to remember.. Didn't play online until ps3..

G4R: As commish of a highly reputable and sought after lg (Fantasy 281) how do you deal with mega ego's?
Teflon: Ego? What's that? Every one has a voice.. I let em speak.. Only way to have a successful league is let everyone feel their voice matters.. Up to a point.. When it becomes a problem.. You cut out the cancer..

G4R: Every lg has dissensions among the ranks how do you cope when guys challenge your decisions? [Ed note. It's funny how 30+ members each have the 'perfect set of lg rules' but yet unable to sustain a lg of their own].
Teflon: I don't see it as a challenge.. I see it as a difference of opinion.. I feel like I've been doing this long enough to know when someone has a good idea for the league and a good idea for themselves.. My track record speaks.. And I'm confident in my decisions..

G4R: How many leagues do you currently commish/ co-commish?
Teflon: Only commish 3 leagues.. Couldn't handle any more..

G4R: What's your fave NFL team and Madden team this yr? 2 part question.
Teflon: Giants and Giants

G4R: We all have lives outside of Madden when not playing what are some of your fave hobbies?
Teflon: Fishing and watching sports.. All sports..

G4R: Fave game other than Madden?
Teflon: 2k (basketball)

G4R: What advice can you give to up and coming or struggling commishs striving to keep a full competitive lg year round?
Teflon: If you have a vision.. Stick to it.. Find those that share your vision and build from there.. Anyone can start a league but it takes your involvement investment and the right mix of users to make a successful league.. Also Showing respect and making sure you (the commish) is also respected.. Don't be afraid of criticism.. As a commish expect it.. Keep yourself level.. Balanced and stay the course..

G4R: 281 has proven to be the premier ship of credible leagues how can guys contact you and lg to be added to this exclusive group of high caliber players?
Teflon: You reach me by Facebook (Teflon Liza) by email teflonthedon@hotmail.com

G4R: You have direct links to some of EA's developers, if future members want to contact you directly to join lg or request a one-on-one gm how can they go about it... what's your PSN ID?
Teflon: My psn is Teflondon1863

There you have it people a glimpse inside one of Madden's most revered commishs. If you've had the good fortune of playing under one of his lgs you are in an exclusive class. Teflon Liza aka 'The Don' ... the name suits him well.