John Madden, the former coach whose booming voice and boisterous personality made him the most influential broadcaster in the history of televised football, has announced that he is retiring from the booth.
Madden issued a statement through NBC:
"It's time. I'm 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I'm home and, more importantly, when I'm not...Madden has been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his 10 years as coach of the Oakland Raiders, and in his second career as a color commentator he has won 16 Emmys for Outstanding Sports Analyst or Personality. He'll be remembered for his regular-guy approach to broadcasting, for his praise of the kinds of tough, blue-collar players who made his All-Madden Team, and for his signature phrases like "Boom!" and "Doink!" His final call was the Steelers' victory over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.
It's been such a great ride... the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have... that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League... my broadcasting partners Pat and Al... the production people and the fans ...is still great... it's still fun and that's what it makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision.
I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people... but I know this is the right time."
NBC has not said who will replace Madden as Al Michaels' partner on Sunday Night Football.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-16-2009 @ 11:07AM
Jonathan said...
I hate to say it, but im going to miss him randomly drawing on the screen while talking. Those were some funny times.
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4-16-2009 @ 11:41AM
Adam said...
We all made fun of him for his rambling statements and obvious points, but dammit, I'll miss the big guy.
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4-16-2009 @ 12:18PM
Eric Mack said...
Yep, we all made fun of him. And fortunately, now that he has such big plans for retirement, there's no reason to stop - http://tr.im/iYhs
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4-16-2009 @ 1:11PM
swish3pts said...
A class act. John Madden made the game fun.
THANK YOU John!!!
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4-16-2009 @ 3:10PM
soulcitysigma1914 said...
john made the game even more fun to watch on tv. collinsworth will do ok if he chills w/ all that bias, but he still won't be as fun or have the charm. Cheers to John!
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4-16-2009 @ 4:45PM
LADubbz45 said...
Madden You the Homie!
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4-16-2009 @ 6:40PM
pvcmarki said...
Madden is the best ever. Michaels & Madden - the best football commentator team ever. Hope he decides he's too young to retire! Best of luck John!
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4-16-2009 @ 7:32PM
gregolo7 said...
Hey John.. Just like that? Booommmm!!.. I was just getting the hang of what a Bootleg is too.. So long Great one will surley miss you.. But my son has you on Wii!!Love always.. PS: It's OK for us guys to say that to you..
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4-16-2009 @ 7:55PM
tropicalraiz said...
Mr Madden
Thanks for always being a "class" act on & off the "field" Good Luck "enjoy" Your Grandchildren!
I miss "My" Grandfather EVERY DAY (and He Passed away 6 yrs ago)
"All" the BEST to You.
Ray
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4-16-2009 @ 9:52PM
makeminecoke said...
thank you for the memories of a young raider fan who watched you walk the sidelines. thank you for the years of you in the booth.. You will be missed dearly. Enjoy your retirement in the blackhawk community of Danville... you are a legend... You were the leader of the silver and black
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