John Madden, the Raiders’ Super Bowl-winning coach and a noted NFL broadcaster, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, the league announced. He was 85 years old.
Madden was one of football’s most recognizable faces during his broadcast career, and made his name in the wildly successful NFL video game series.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
Madden was appointed as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders at the age of 32. During his tenure from 1969 to 1978, the team never had a losing season. His team had a 103–32–7 regular season record in 10 seasons.
The Raiders made the playoffs eight times and won Super Bowl XI in 1977 after the 1976 season.
He was also the color commentator for CBS, Fox, ABC’s “Monday Night Football” and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football”. He announced his retirement from broadcasting after 30 years in 2009.
“No one loved football more than the coach. That was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and many others,” Goodell said in the statement. “There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for making football and the NFL what it is today.”
In his broadcasting career, Madden has been referred to as “Boom!” As was known for exclamations. And a simple style and ability to explain a complex game in words that anyone can understand.
NBC play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time of Madden’s retirement, “No one has made a game more interesting, more relevant, and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John.”
The Raiders, now in Las Vegas, said a statement Very few people were as responsible for the popularity of professional football as Madden on Tuesday.
In 2006, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“A brilliant coach. A loyal and dependable friend. A raider,” the team recalled recalling the words of team owner Al Davis at the Madden Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding anniversary was two days before his death.
“We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” Goodell said.
Information about a memorial service will be released when it becomes available, the league said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Associated Press Contribution,