Legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85.
As ESPN reports:
John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach-turned-broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the NFL said. He was 85.
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Madden gained fame in a decade long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.
“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,” the Raiders said in a statement, hours before team owner Mark Davis lit the Al Davis Torch in honor of Madden, the first person to ever light the torch on Oct. 16, 2011.
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It was Madden’s work after retiring from coaching at age 42 that made him truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; and became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games of all time.
Thanks, Coach pic.twitter.com/wnv8W1pIjJ
— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) December 29, 2021
No cause of death has so far been released after Madden’s passing.
RIP JOHN. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
May GOD grant Mercy and Grace to his loved ones in this time of loss. He was a great man as a Coach and announcer. We’re there more men like him in the NFL today the WHINY BRATS destroying the game would not be around to do so.
Thanks, Coach. RIP
A true legend who was one of the fortunate among us, getting paid for doing something he loved. He will be missed. God bless him and comfort his loved ones at this time.