One of the most honored and imitated announcers in sports history is giving his trademark voice a rest. NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol announced today that John Madden is retiring from broadcasting. In addition to making Frank Caliendo's comedy act immediately slightly less relevant, Madden's departure marks the end of a long and illustrious career.
Along the way he became the face of one of the world's most popular video games, made the word "turducken" socially acceptable and stated the obvious with his own brand of analysis.
Madden released the following statement about his decision to leave the booth:
"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...
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."
Admittedly, Madden was far from my favorite broadcaster. His style was too rambling and disjointed for my personal tastes. But, there's absolutely no denying that he's been a big part of tuning into games during his tenure -- and a truly unique companion to share a game with.
For that, it's sad to see him go.
How will you remember him?
I can remember watching the Bear games in the 1980s with my daddy and I always knew it was an important game when J. Madden and P. Summerall were in the booth for CBS.
Here is a link to the 1989 NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKl1vrFzJ6o
What's amazing is that J. Madden had an entire career before he reached the broadcast booth. For nine seasons, he led the Oakland Raider to a 103 - 32 record, including a Super Bowl title in 1976 (the Raider had a 13-1 regular season).
J. Madden was a huge reason we have all of those wonderful NFL films of the Steeler / Raider match-up in the 1970s.
RIP J. Madden.
Linda S.
I don't think he's dying, Linda.
I agree that his style was rambling to be annoying, and in his later years he didn't contribute much beyond restating the obvious. But he really, truly did love Brett Favre, and that kind of love should be celebrated.
NOOOOOOOO!!!! DO NOT bring B. Favre into this. This is about J. Madden!
Linda S.