Celebrated broadcasting icon and NFL Hall of Fame coach, John Madden has reportedly died at the age of 85. No cause of death has been confirmed yet, and the NFL announced he died unexpectedly.
John Madden was the coach of the Oakland Raiders for a decade, winning the 1976 season Super Bowl and 7 AFC title games, giving him the .759 winning percentage, best in all NFL coaches in 100 games. To honor Madden, the Raiders owner Mark Davis lit the Al Davis Torch, saying, “Few individuals meant as much to the growth and popularity of professional football as Coach Madden, whose impact on the game both on and off the field was immeasurable.”
The torch has been lit for the first time since Oct. 16, 2011. Davis took the moment to remember the legendary coach, “Tonight I light the torch in honor of and tribute to John Madden and Al Davis, who declared that the fire that burns the brightest in the Raiders Organization is the will to win.”
EA Sports released their own statement regarding his demise saying, “Today, we lost a hero. John Madden was synonymous with the sport of football for more than 50 years,” the John Madden franchise was handled by EA Sports, “His knowledge of the game was second only to his love for it, and his appreciation for everyone that stepped on the gridiron. A humble champion, a willing teacher, and forever a coach. Our hearts and sympathies go out to John’s family, friends, and millions of fans. He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and never forgotten.”
John Madden has a starking number of 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports analyst/personality, working between the years 1979 to 2009. Hall of Fame president Jim Porter echoed the same message of remembrance and condolence saying, “He was first and foremost a coach. He was a coach on the field, a coach in the broadcast booth, and a coach in life. The Hall of Fame will forever guard Coach Madden’s legacy. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in his memory.”
