NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol announced today that after over 30 years in broadcasting, John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and game analyst for Sunday Night Football since 2006, has decided to retire. "It’s time. I’m 73 years old," explained Madden in a statement released today. "I still love every part of it — the travel, the practices, the gamefilm, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people… but Iknow this is the right time." Madden has won 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality and in 1982 became the first NFL analyst to receive the Touchdown Club of America’s prestigious Golden Mike Award. His final game — the 11th Super Bowl he called — was this February’s Super Bowl XLIII.
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John Madden retires: Sad day for NFL fans, Frank Caliendo
I will miss him and his eyebrows. Seriously, though, when I started watching football in college, his no-frills “Football for Dummies” style of commentary really helped me learn just what was going on most of the time.
Wow..what a sad sad day for football fans
http://tvdonewright.com/
I know I will get killed for this, but, I am thrilled John Madden is retiring. I know he is a beloved sports icon and there is a game named after him.
But, Madden’s color commentary was often hard to understand and he seemed to ramble on just to fill the spaces between Al Michaels play-by-play. Chris Collinsworth or whomever NBC selects will make Sunday Night Football a more enjoyable experience.
Let the poundings begin.
He was the greatest in the prime of his broadcasting career, but I am glad to see him retire. The last 8-9 years, he was just a terrible commentator and made no sense half the time. Also it’s a relief knowing Frank Caliendo can retire his tired (but pretty good) impersonation of Madden.
About time.
I agree with him . . . it’s time. I always loved Summerall and Madden, and liked Michaels and Madden, but I think he should go out before he becomes a total caricature of his former self. He’s made more than enough money, time for him to relax and enjoy it. He may even pop up in a studio from time to time, but that travel is a grind (especially for one who won’t fly!). Enjoy retirement, you’ve earned it!
Gonna miss ya, big fella. Like many of us boomers you’re getting too old to keep up anymore and I, for one, can sympathize. Sit back and enjoy the grandkids, poppa. Thanks for the momories. You’ll never be forgotten.
He was great for a long time, but I think it’s definitely time. He’s always gushing over mediocre players, states the most obvious things, and has gotten a little annoying.
Great football legend, but it’s time.
He better still be doing the video games!
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/16/come-on-down-bob-barker-returns-to-the-price-is-right/
The obvious question, what is Frank Caliendo going to do now??????? There goes his career….
Teleprompter sales just went in the crapper. Who will now circle everything on the screen?
Maybe Brett Favre could replace Madden!
With both Bush and Madden gone, Frank Caliendo is going to have a hard time finding work.
I’ll miss him but at least he’s one of the few who actually knows when to go out and relax and live. He’s now 73. Can’t say the same for guys like Regis who will never step away from the limelight. Its an addiction. One has to admire Johnny Carson for stepping away and never coming back.
http://www.entertainmenttodayandbeyond.com/
chuck
Really? You mention THIS and not the passing of a great broadcaster, Harry Kalas? Boo to you, EW.