John Madden has Retired

Boom! John Madden has retired from the broadcasting booth. 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 began his broadcasting career in 1979 after his retirement from coaching the Oakland Raiders. Super Bowl 16 between San Francisco and Cinnicinati was Madden's first Super Bowl call. And the years game was his last. In total Madden called 11 Super Bowls.

Madden is also a hall of fame coach. He coached the Oakland Raiders for 10 years and he still holds the greatest winning percentenge of all time. He won a Super Bowl and 7 divison titles before he called it quits with the Raiders.

Since then he has either broadcasted a game with Pat Summerall or Al Michaels on all four major networks.

Here is an classic clip of Madden and Summerall before the 89 NFC Championship game between the Los Angles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.