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NBC Sports has just sent out an email announcing that Hall of Fame coach, legendary broadcaster and the man who has lent his name to the most popular franchise in video game history, John Madden, is retiring.
Chairman Dick Ebersol made the announcement this morning.
Madden released the following statement:
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.
Madden is the most honored NFL broadcaster ever, with 16 Emmys for outstanding sports analyst/personality to his credit. He was the youngest coach in AFL history when he took over the reins of the Raiders in 1969; he spent 10 more years on the sidelines before retiring to the broadcast booth.
The larger-than-life personality gained a new generation of fans through his Madden video games, which have sold 65 million copies in 20 years.
