NFL Hall of Fame Coach and Broadcaster John Madden Has Died At Age 85

Some sad news to report today. NFL legend John Madden has died “unexpectedly” at the age of 85.

The hall of fame coach-turned-broadcaster, famous for his simple explanations of the game, died on Tuesday morning. The league said his death was unexpected, but did not give a cause of death.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on behalf of the league…

On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to [his wife] Virginia, [their sons] Mike [and] Joe and their families. We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others.

During his career as a coach, he earned a 103-32-7 regular season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among coaches with more than 100 games.

And while his career as a head coach was impressive, it was his career after coaching that made him a legend.

He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of ‘Boom!’ and ‘Doink!’ throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; and became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games of all time.

Safe to say, when people think of the NFL, they think of John Madden. For a lot of people, he was football.

Several stars paid tribute to the legend, even LeBron James, who wrote, “Rest in Paradise To the Goat John Madden!!!! Your legacy will continue to live on Infinity!!!!!”

LeBron really likes the exclamation point, huh? Dude is abusing that thing.

Anyway, the world lost a legend this week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family!!!!!!!!!