NFL Hall of Fame Coach and Broadcasting Legend John Madden Dies ‘Unexpectedly’ at 85-Years-Old

NFL Hall of Fame coach and broadcasting legend John Madden, who had the iconic video game named after him, passed away today “unexpectedly” at 85-years-old.

The NFL provided the statement that his death was unexpected and did not provide a cause.

As ESPN reported, Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season.

Madden compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record before retiring also unexpectedly at 42-years-old, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.

The preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, Madden won an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covered 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement, “I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more.”

Conservative commentator Clay Travis tweeted, “John Madden is the greatest, and most influential, sports broadcaster of all time. An absolute legend of sports, people will be playing the video game named after him generations to come. RIP.”

John Madden is the greatest, and most influential, sports broadcaster of all time. An absolute legend of sports, people will be playing the video game named after him generations to come. RIP.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 29, 2021

UFC’s Dana White tweeted a picture of Madden along with a sad face emoji and quipped, “RIP John Madden. What an incredible life.”

😔RIP John Madden. What an incredible life pic.twitter.com/z9h2YKEHts

— danawhite (@danawhite) December 29, 2021