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John Madden Dies At 85

December 29, 2021

John Madden, an NFL legend who is in the Hall of Fame and is the namesake for EA’s Madden NFL video game series, has died. He was 85.

Madden died Tuesday morning, the NFL confirmed, as reported by the Associated Press. Madden coached the Oakland Raiders to great success, including a Super Bowl victory in 1976.

BREAKING: Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster John Madden, whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning at the age of 85, the NFL said. https://t.co/8sSXhqqWz4
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 29, 2021

After retiring from coaching with the second-highest winning percentage of any coach (behind the legendary Vince Lombardi), he moved on to become an NFL analyst and has won several Emmy awards, we reported in 2009. The heavy travel demanded by Madden’s broadcast job was aggravated by a severe fear of flying, leading the analyst to drive from destination to destination in a tricked-out RV called “The Madden cruiser.”

As of 2016, Madden was still helping out with the video game series.

In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football… there will never be another John Madden, and we will be forever indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

NFL legend John Madden died unexpected this morning. He was 85. pic.twitter.com/FoC1mAzoF6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021

In its own statement, EA Sports said, “John Madden was synonymous with football for more than 50 years. His knowledge of the game was second only to his love for it, and his appreciation for everyone that ever stepped on the gridiron. A humble champion, a willing teacher, and forever a coach.”

“Our hearts and sympathies go out to John’s family, friends, and millions of fans. He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and never forgotten.”