John Madden Has Died Unexpectedly At The Age Of 85

The National football league has sadly announced that one of its greatest icons John Madden has passed away at the age of 85.

The former coach, broadcaster, and namesake for the league's video game franchise, reportedly passed away unexpectedly.

However, there are some clues in recent interviews with his former broadcasting partner Al Michaels that indicate Madden's health may not have been optimal in the past few days. With Michaels, talking about Madden heavily in the past tense in a recent interview with Colin Cowherd. The football world though, is certainly still shocked by the news of Madden's passing

The Madden family essentially gave the honors to the NFL to announce the passing of the gridiron icon. The league sent out a press release via Twitter around 7p.m. EST. Announcing to the world that the hall of fame coach had passed away unexpectedly this Tuesday morning. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put in a few words about coach Madden in the official statement saying, 

“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their

families,” The commissioner went on to say “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”

John Madden had been officially retired from broadcasting since 2009. At the time of his retirement, still in his early 70s, the former coach mentioned that he was not stepping away from the broadcast booth due to health concerns. He just wanted to spend more time with his family at that point. 

Ironically when he retired from coaching at a very young age back in 1978 the coach did mention that he was stepping away from the sidelines because of health reasons. Apparently the pressure of coaching had caused multiple ulcers and other health issues. As fate would have it though, upon his retirement from coaching Madden was seemingly able to make an even more important legacy in the game of football. Going into broadcasting, and lending his name to video game developer EA to create the Madden football franchise. 

Multiple reactions to the death of the former coach have poured in the minutes since the official announcement took place. Chiefs quarterback Patricks Mahommes took to Twitter to pay his respects to the coach. Writing, “Rest In Peace to a Legend! Prayers to the Madden Family”. NBA great LeBron James also paid his respects through social media saying, “Rest in Paradise To the Goat John Madden!!!! Your legacy will continue to live on!!!!!” In the original statement announcing the passing of John Madden, commissioner Goodell also mentioned, 

“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

https://twitter.com/NFL345/status/1475981872001867781

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