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WATCH: NFL honors John Madden, family at Super Bowl 56

James Fletcher IIIby:James Fletcher III•02/13/22•

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Former NFL head coach and broadcaster John Madden passed away unexpectedly this season at the age of 85. On Super Bowl Sunday, the NFL and NBC honored the beloved figure and football icon with a tribute video which played during the pregame festivities.

Narrated by NBC play-by-play broadcast Al Michaels, who worked alongside John Madden, the video tribute showed key moments from his career on and off the field, which provided a lasting impact on the NFL and the game.

“On the biggest day of the year in football, we remember one of the most towering figures the NFL has ever known,” Michaels started. “Coaching legend, broadcasting icon, gaming pioneer, John Madden. Forever synonymous with everything great about this game and a true American treasure.”

John Madden’s family was also introduced by the public address announcer at SoFi Stadum in Los Angeles after the video tribute.

Madden 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.

More about John Madden

After 10 seasons as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, John Madden spent three decades in the broadcast booth with CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC. His death sent shockwaves throughout the game of football.

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.”

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.