After a Brilliant Career, NFL Announcer John Madden Will Retire

He’s been a mainstay in and around the National Football League (NFL) as a coach and announcer for many years. But yesterday, Hall of Fame NFL coach and lauded announcer John Madden announced that he will retire. As it turns out, the last game of his announcing career will end up being the exciting Super Bowl, in which the Arizona Cardinals almost came back to win in the final seconds. Madden, however, didn’t see himself going out with a bang. "I’m a grinder," he said. "You just grind and get through it and when it’s all over, you think about it. You don’t rush into any decisions."

Pat Summerall, a longtime fried and broadcast partner of Madden’s, noted, "I think his work ethic and passion and love for the game made him part from everybody else." Madden said that his health is fine, but the 73-year-old has chosen retirement so that he can spend more time with his family. His 50th wedding anniversary is coming up in the fall and he has five grandchildren that he’d like to spend more time with. Said Madden on moving away from football, "The thing that made it hard is not because I’m second guessing: ‘Is it the right decision?’ But I enjoyed it so damn much. I enjoyed the game and the players and the coaches and the film and the travel and everything."

NBC Sports Chief Dick Ebersol announced that Chris Collinsworth will replace Madden in the broadcast booth, but took the opportunity to give his opinion of Madden, calling him "the absolute best sports broadcaster who ever lived." For those who regularly watch the NFL, Madden will be missed. He had a blue collar persona despite his wealth and a love for the game that transcended the business element that is so readily available in the modern game. His analysis of the less-noticed aspects of the game of football, most notably offensive and defensive line play, made it a pleasure to learn the game by watching through his eyes. We sincerely wish John Madden all the best, and hope that his retirement and time spent with his family is as enjoyable for him as watching his broadcasts was for all of us.