Oakland Raiders Legend John Madden Passed Away At The Age Of 85

Football has lost a true legend. John Madden, the renowned coach and broadcaster, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 85, as confirmed by the NFL.

The NFL is saddened to share the passing of the legendary John Madden. He was 85. pic.twitter.com/MxLFYLfY8k

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his deepest sympathies to Virginia, Mike, Joe, and their families on behalf of the entire NFL community. In a statement Goodell acknowledged the great achievements of the late coach and broadcaster who was revered as a Hall of Fame coach for the Oakland Raiders and had an impressive career with various major networks. Goodell emphasized that, above all else, Madden will be remembered as a caring spouse, parent, and grandparent.

Coach was the epitome of football. He was a tremendous source of support and guidance for me and countless others. John Madden was truly one of a kind, and we will always be grateful for his immense contributions in shaping the sport and the NFL into what they are today.

John Madden’s impact on the Oakland Raiders and the league

The Oakland Raiders had Madden as a coach for ten seasons and he delivered the organization their first championship. They beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. In the years 1969 to 1978, Madden never mounted a losing season in his tenure as the Oakland Raiders head coach. He compiled a 132-32-7 regular-season record in those ten seasons. Furthermore it should be acknowledged that he boasts the distinction of being the youngest coach in history to attain a total of 100 wins. Madden remains to be the most winningest coach in Raiders franchise history. He has the highest winning percentage of any NFL head coach in ten seasons or fewer, at .759.
The Raiders expressed their profound sadness over the loss of the legendary John Madden in a statement. Coach Madden was a truly influential figure in the growth and popularity of professional football. His impact on the game. Both on and off the field. Madden’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2006 cannot be overstated. Jim Porter, the President of the Hall of Fame, expressed his sadness over Madden’s passing and issued a recent statement.

“The entire Hall of Fame family mourns the loss of Coach Madden,” said Porter. “Few individuals have had such a profound impact on professional football in various aspects as Coach Madden. He was a coach in every sense of the word – on the field, in the broadcast booth, and in life.

“He was beloved by millions of football fans worldwide.”

Madden career beyond coaching

Madden officially retired from coaching after the 1979 season, however, it was his broadcasting career that impacted his impact on the game. Becoming a well-known color commentator on NFL broadcasts from 1979 to 2008 solidified his legacy in a way. Many generations grew up gearing that iconic voice on the television every Sunday or on video games. The 16-time Emmy Award winner, Madden, called games with Pat Summerall and Al Michaels throughout his broadcasting tenure. He called 11 Super Bowls before his retirement in April of 2009.

Madden’s voice became legendary when he became the voice of the Madden NFL video game series. The series started in 1988, and he remained the game’s cover star until 2001. From 2001 onwards, NFL players began gracing the cover, continuing the tradition. Being featured on the game cover is considered a great honor. Over the years, the Madden NFL series has sold over 250 million

More than a game. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vtn6HlMj1p

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021