The National Football League, NFL fans and people everywhere were dealt a sad blow on Tuesday morning. It was reported that Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, player and commentator, John Earl Madden, has passed away at the age of 85.
NFL legend John Madden died unexpected this morning. He was 85. pic.twitter.com/FoC1mAzoF6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021
No one is more synonymous with the sport of American football than John Madden. He is revered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl championship in 1976 over the Minnesota Vikings. Madden led the Raiders to seven division championships and never finished a season with a losing record.
Madden transcended football and broke into American pop culture. He moved into the broadcasting booth in 1979 with CBS and after two seasons, joined Pat Summerall as the company's top sportscasting duo. He eventually joined FOX Sports when they took over NFC rights to football in 1994. Some of his commentary to this day is considered the stuff of legend.
His popularity helped launch EA's “Madden NFL” video game. That is one of the most played and purchased video game franchises of all-time.
John Madden was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 for his role coaching. He retired from broadcasting two years later to spend more time with his family.
Madden's loss is felt by everyone, inside and out of the football world. On Christmas Day, FOX aired the new documentary, “All Madden,” surrounding his life, his role in the history of football and how well respected he was as a father, husband and human being.
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