Legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden has issued a statement announcing his retirement from broadcasting.
“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…” Madden said in a statement.
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 coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969-1979, and retired from coaching with a Super Bowl ring to his credit. He was the youngest coach ever to reach 100 career regular season victories, a record he compiled in only ten full seasons of coaching at the age of 42.
Madden, who has won an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality, has been an NFL broadcaster for nearly 30 years, and has served as the game analyst for “NBC Sunday Night Football” since 2006.