John Madden retires
John Madden retires.
John Madden retires
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
It's not a big deal but it is a big deal: John Madden is retiring.
NBC just made the announcement:
NEW YORK – April 16, 2009 – NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol announced today that John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and the most honored broadcaster in sports television history, has decided to retire from broadcasting.
Madden issued the following statement today:
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.
I want to think about this for a while, but consider who in the media might have had a bigger impact in the 30 years that Madden has been doing NFL games on television. I can't think of anybody. He brought this unique style. That style attracted younger people to the game and made him the natural name to be slapped on what is an uber-successful video game. He has been an icon on several levels. And while some of the shtick was tired, Madden's enthusiasm for his work still seemed very real and very much in place.
The only guy who comes close is Dick Vitale, but I think Madden was bigger.
Wonder if the news about Harry put the retirement idea over the top...Madden is 73 too. I'm sure we will still hear from him from time to time on Sundays...— tralala- Harry Kalas and now this?!?! man, its going to be weird watching sports this year.— ahjii
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- It was about time.— EL Zorro
- he should have 5 yrs ago— phillyflava
There goes Frank Caliendo's entire act.— wfs0868- Your right wfs0868 now Frank Caliendo will have to concentrate his efforts on George Bush Jr jokes, sad, Also I wonder how it will impact the Madden Video games which I'm hooked on. Scary— MoBayYankee
- wfs0868 - That was HYSTERICAL!!! I'm going to miss Madden. He may have lost a step or two, but he was always fun to listen to. Have a great retirement John, you deserve it. Thanks for all the wonderful years.— mrmiller74
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Lol @ Frank Caliendo losing his act.— gho_matt- I guess I selfishly wish that he had announced it before his last game, so we could enjoy his last season understanding that was it. Madden is clearly a major part of Caliendo's act, but he does others quite well, not just George W. Bush. Besides, I am sure we will still hear from Madden, he just will not be a weekly presence doing actual games.— citizenkane
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- His act got old a few years ago. Kudos to JM for recognizing this and bowing out gracefully. His schtick in the early days was a pretty good change of pace though. Hard to put a fresh spin on that job.— Grazman
