A legend in world sport passed away on Tuesday evening.
John Madden died at the age of 85.
For fans of American football it was quite simply "Mr Football", the reference in terms of analysis and knowledge of the game for almost thirty years on the microphone of US TV broadcasts.
For laymen, its name rhymes with the famous American football video game from Electronic Arts, which rocked a generation of “gamers”.
John Madden, 85, died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning according to the NFL.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we offer our condolences to (wife) Virginia, (son) Mike, (son) Joe and their families,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. press release released overnight.
"We all knew him as the coach of the Oakland Raiders and the consultant who worked for all the major networks, but more than anything he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather" continues the tribute to this monument “gridirons”.
The NFL regrets to announce the passing of John Madden.
Legendary coach, iconic commentator, he is a monument of the league that is leaving us.
He was 85 years old.
pic.twitter.com/p9L2CftfH1
- NFL France (@NFLFrance) December 29, 2021
John Madden was a true football lover, to which he devoted his life after a tragic start.
He will be haunted all his life by the plane crash of his university team in which he will lose many playmates. Survivor, he will be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, but he injured his knee during the camp. 'summer.
John will never tread an NFL lawn as a player.
“Playing is the best.
Coaching is the best afterwards ”
After a brilliant career as a college coach he landed in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s. During his 10 seasons as Raiders coach, Madden's teams often shone and he led Oakland in the playoffs eight times.
In January 1977, the Raiders won Super Bowl XI, beating the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 under his leadership.
“Playing is the best.
Coaching is best after, ”Madden once told NFL Films.
In a statement, the Raiders today in Las Vegas said, "Few people have contributed as much to the growth and popularity of professional football as Coach Madden, whose impact on the game, both on the team. ground than outside, was immeasurable.
"
The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden.
Statement ”https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6 pic.twitter.com/HA0GDGPN46
- Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 29, 2021
A giant of his sport, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2006. “I have never worked a single day in my life.
I went from player to coach then to broadcaster and I am the luckiest man in the world, ”he said on his induction.
Madden has commented on NFL games for 30 seasons for FOX, CBS, ABC and NBC.
He won 16 Emmys as a Sports Personality / Outstanding Sporting Events Analyst.
Madden was loved for his boiling commentary style, and punctuated his analyzes with a "Boom!"
Or "Wham!"
"Or" Doink!
Which have become legendary.
Madden pioneered the use of a video marker that allows a person to draw on television pictures, and helped explain the game to laypersons. He also presented awards such as the All-Madden Team to hardworking players and turkey thighs to most valuable players in Thanksgiving games.
When I think of someone in the sports world who is worthy of the phrase "larger than life", I have always thought of John. And I always will, ”said Jerry Jones, legendary owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Its name is of course also attached to one of the world's best-selling sports video game series - Madden NFL - which debuted in 1988 as John Madden Football. “Today we lost a hero,” publisher EA Sports said in a statement. "His knowledge of the game was matched only by his love for it and his appreciation for all who have walked the pitch."
"John Madden was truly the epitome of the NFL and brought the NFL into everyone's home as it exploded into our consciousness," said Christine Brennan, CNN sports analyst and USA Today columnist.
A good summary of what he represented for this sport.
