NFL legend John Madden passes away unexpectedly at 85

Former NFL head coach and broadcaster John Madden passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning at the age of 85, according to a statement from the league. After 10 seasons as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, he spent three decades in the broadcast booth with CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC.

The NFL released the following statement on the passing of John Madden:

“Earlier today we received the sad news that the great John Madden died unexpectedly this morning, He was 85.

“’On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend out condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,’ said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. ‘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.’

“Memorial service information will be announced when available.”

More about John Madden

After starting his coaching career as an assistant at Allan Hancock College in 1960, John Madden quickly rose through the ranks and accepted the Oakland Raiders linebackers coach job in 1967. Just two years later, at 32-years old, he became head coach. The team reached five AFC championship games in seven years before breaking through for a Super Bowl win in 1976. After failing to reach the playoffs in 1978, he retired from coaching.

He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Over the course of his career Madden added 16 Emmy Awards to his Super Bowl trophy.

After becoming one of the most recognizable faces in football over his time with every major network, he also helped launch the NFL’s most popular video game with EA Sports. In 2012, he stated that the game provided’ “a way for people to learn the game (of football) and participate in the game at a pretty sophisticated level.” The Madden title continues to grace the cover of the video game beyond his career and now carries his legacy.

Along with his wife Virginia, John Madden had two sons. Both attended Ivy League schools, with Joe playing football at Brown and Mike playing at Harvard.