The National Football League announced today the passing of the legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden. According to the NFL, Madden died this morning unexpectedly at the age of 85.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”
“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”
Madden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969 at the age of 32. He led the team to a Super Bowl championship win in 1976.
After his career in coaching, he worked as a color commentator for CBS Sports (1979-1993), Fox Sports (1994-2001), ABC Sports (2002-2005), and NBC Sports (2006-2008).
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden,” the Raiders announced in a statement. “Few individuals meant as much to the growth and popularity of professional football as Coach Madden, whose impact on the game both on and off the field was immeasurable.”
His name has also been associated with videogames since 1988 with the debut of the John Madden Football (the original name of Madden NFL), published by EA.
“Football has been my life, and it’s given me so much.”
"Football has been my life, and it's given me so much."
Rest in peace to the legendary John Madden 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0XYD9FbXhF
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 29, 2021
The NFL is saddened to share the passing of the legendary John Madden. He was 85. pic.twitter.com/MxLFYLfY8k
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021
The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden.
Statement » https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6 pic.twitter.com/HA0GDGPN46
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 29, 2021
Today we lost a legend.
Take a look back at Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden’s iconic career. pic.twitter.com/P6MmCHsWnO
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 29, 2021
A coaching legend. A broadcasting icon. Beloved by football fans everywhere.
Remembering John Madden. pic.twitter.com/6jbIl1kdZq
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021
The football world today is celebrating the life of John Madden, a man whose relentless passion for the game & unique career will leave an indelible mark on the sport forever. A member of the Class of 2006, Madden died Tuesday. He was 85.
📰: https://t.co/1A2OtcInjI#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/E1mGAfYbcz
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 29, 2021
Thanks, Coach pic.twitter.com/jGx8aVdRPj
— Madden NFL 23 (@EAMaddenNFL) December 29, 2021
[Source]: NFL: John Madden, legendary Hall of Fame coach, dies at age 85 – [Archive]. Raiders.com: Raiders statement on the passing of the legendary John Madden – [Archive].