John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach who won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders and left an enduring legacy through his colour commentary for NFL telecasts and the long-running Madden NFL video game series, has died. He was 85.
His death was made public by the NFL on Tuesday evening. In its release, the league said his passing was unexpected but no other details were provided.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “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. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”
