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John Madden, the famous NFL broadcaster and Super Bowl winning coach, has died at the age of 85

Lakshmi

The league announced on Tuesday morning that John Madden, the Raiders Super Bowl-winning coach and legendary NFL broadcaster, had died unexpectedly. He is 85 years old.

Madden was one of the most recognizable faces of football in his broadcast career, and gave his name to the hugely successful NFL video game series. During his tenure with the Oakland Riders, the team has never had a losing season.

“We all know him as the Auckland Riders’ Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster who has worked on every major network, but above all, he’s a dedicated husband, father and grandfather,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a written statement. “On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families.”

Madden was hired as the Riders’ head coach in 1969, when he was 32, and held that position until the 1978 season. The team had a 103-32-7 regular season record in 10 seasons.

The Raiders went to the playoffs eight times and won the 1977 Super Bowl after the 1976 season.

“No one loved football more than the coach. He is football. He was an incredible sound board for me and many others, ”Guttel said in a statement. “There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for everything he did to create the current state of football and the NFL.”

Auckland Riders coach John Madden lifts the game ball into the air as he rides on the shoulders of Odysseus Chirang (60) and Gary Weaver (52) after the Raiders’ 28-26 victory over the Miami Dolphins in 1974.Bedman archive file

After retiring from pro football, Madden became a color commentator and analyst, first appearing on CBS in 1979, then on Fox, ABC’s “Monday Night Football” and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football”.

“No one has made the game more enjoyable, more relevant, and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” said Al Michaels, NBC Play-by-Play announcer during Madden’s break.

Michaels, who worked with Madden on “Sunday Night Football” and “Monday Night Football”, said in a statement Tuesday that working with him was “like winning the lottery”.

“He’s more than just football – he’s a man who cares about everything around him and can carry on a smart conversation about hundreds and hundreds of topics,” he said.

During his broadcast career, Madden called “Boom!” Named for such surprises. And the ability and descriptive style to explain a complex game in a way that anyone can understand.

Madden did not like to fly, and was known for traveling to games on the modified Greyhound bus known as the “Madden Cruiser”.

He famously helped bring the “Durducan” – stuffed duck – stuffed into the turkey – to the attention of the nation, and will present the “Turkey Foot Award” to the most valuable player in the Thanksgiving game. Begins In 1989.

Madden announced his retirement from broadcasting in 2009 after 30 years.

Said the Riders, now based in Las Vegas A statement On Tuesday, few were responsible for the popularity of professional football like Madonna.

“A great coach. A loyal and trusted friend. A rider,” the team said, recalling the words of team owner Al Davis at Madden’s debut in 2006 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Madden grew up and graduated in Daily City, California California Polytechnic State University now in San Luis Obispo, where he played football for attack and defense.

He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1958 NFL Draft, but a knee injury ended his career career.

Became a coach at Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, then became a defensive coordinator at San Diego State University before joining the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967.

When he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Madden said of his career and career: “It was a great ride and I would like to thank everyone who was with me for any part of it.

Many teams in the NFL and other sports have expressed their grief and condolences over Madden’s death.

When I think of a sports person who deserves the word “bigger than life”, I always think of John. I will always do that, “said Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a statement following Madden’s death.

Former NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol said in a statement that Madden was “the most impressive man I have ever met”.

“Sunday night football is a part of today because he came to NBC,” Ebersol said.

“He will be greatly missed by every American sports fan who invites John into their living rooms,” he added.

Fred Gowdelli, who co-produced with Madden the producers on “Sunday Night Football” and “Monday Night Football”, called Madden “an American treasure”.

“No one loved football more than him, and he lived to do it better every day,” Cowdelli said Said. “It is an absolute honor to have worked with him and shared 20 years of friendship. Like football fans everywhere, I miss him so much.

Madden’s survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding day was two days before he died.

The NFL says information about a memorial service will be released when it becomes available.