Sad news to pass along, as NFL legend John Madden passed away unexpectedly this morning at the age of 85.
Madden is one of the most iconic NFL personalities of all time, evolving from Hall of Fame head coach to famed broadcaster. Madden’s NFL career started in 1958, when he had a brief offseason stint with the Eagles before injuring his knee. He then turned his focus to the sideline, serving as head coach at Allan Hancock and San Diego State. He got his first crack at an NFL coaching gig when he was hired as the Raiders linebackers coach in 1967, and he was promoted to head coach following John Rauch’s resignation in 1969.
Madden spent a decade in that role, helping guide the Raiders to eight postseason appearances. Oakland made it to four AFC Championship games between in 1970 and 1975, but the team finally broke through when they won Super Bowl XI in 1976. Madden announced his retirement only two seasons later, but despite his (relatively) short stint as an NFL head coach, he still managed to put together an illustrious resume. During his final season at the helm, he became the youngest coach to reach 100 career regular-season victories. He ranks second in NFL history in overall winning percentage (regular season and playoffs), and he never had a losing season during his 10 years in the role.
Following his coaching career, Madden transitioned to television, and he spent almost three decades serving as a color analyst for all four major TV networks. Madden was also known for lending his likeness and name to the Madden NFL video game series, which has generated billions dollars worth of sales since debuting in 1988.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero passed along a statement from the NFL:
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said 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.”
We here at PFR would like to extend our condolences to Madden’s family, friends, and colleagues.
R.i. p.
Rest in Peace, Coach
Terrible news. A true legend and gentlemen. God bless his family. RIP John
Did tThe NFL know that’s why they premiered the documentary on Christmas Day R.I.P
I was about to say the same thing. I almost watched that video too
Absolute legend. Him and Pat were so entertaining to watch and it helped cultivate my love for football as a kid
IMO, the best NFL broadcasting team. But I’m biased as I was a big NFL fan in Pat and Jon’s prime. If one believes in such places as heaven, Jon and Pat are likely calling some classic games up there.
John’s*
Great, great man! Thanks for showing me what football is all about sir!
He really made the NFL on TV for his broadcasting. His players loved him as a coach.
There are HOFers and then there legends.
One of the defining voices of the NFL. I loved his book ” One knee equals two feet” which was a great insight into how the NFL and broadcasting worked to a young newbie learning the game here in the UK. He will be sadly missed. RIP John Madden.
Devastated is an understatement! Easily
A top 10 announcer and Top 10 coach of
All time.
Never coached a losing season, will be missed
RIP…a football legend. He loved the game and shared it with others and made it fun.
RIP Coach
Wow just watched the documentary on him on Christmas. Was my favorite announcer of all time.
R.I.P. I’m so sorry to hear this news.
He lived a great life. RIP
He certainly did
Millions of people know the rules, nuances and X’s and O’s of football because of John Madden. Present company included. That was just from his broadcast presentation, let alone his video game, books and other media that he reached the masses. RIP, Coach. You made us all better fans.
I’m so sad to hear this news. Roger Goodell got it right when he said John Madden was football. He truly was an iconic, legendary, larger-than-life figure. I would not have the love, passion and respect for the game I do, if not for him.
RIP, Coach
RIP Mr. Madden…..
should’ve been my ex not coach madden
99 ranking!RIP cheers to Madden!!
99 forever your rank.
Madden’s appeal resulted from him being completely unpretentious. When he didn’t know something he would say so. We lost a true Icon of the sport and that is going to hurt for awhile. R.I.P John.
When this popped up my heart saddened. I didn’t even know John Madden, but every person had the sense they did. From his broadcasting, to his voice on the game many of us have played for years. We have lost a genuine soul. Looks like the big man upstairs had a expansion team or needed another voice. Sad day in football. Rest in Paradise Coach Madden.
He should be on the cover of Madden games every year from now on. Can’t recall the last time he was.
RIP John. G-d has got his own special trophy for you.