A Genius Masquerading as a Moron: John Madden Retires After 30 Years

The legendary John Madden has retired from the broadcast booth after 30 years.

Madden had this to say on his retirement:

"It's time. I'm 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I'm home and, more importantly, when I'm not."

"It's been such a great ride. The NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion—It still is...It's still fun, and that's what it makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision."

"I still love every part of it—the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people...but I know this is the right time."

Madden is arguably the most recognizable voice in all of sports, rivaling that of the late Harry Kalas and his former partner in the booth, Pat Summerall.

Madden was the coach of the Oakland Raiders during their glory days, going 103-32-7, winning seven AFC West titles, and defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. His winning percentage of .750 is still the most of any coach in NFL history, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame as a coach in 2006.

He could also become the first person to be inducted into the Hall-of-Fame for two different roles, coach and broadcaster.

Madden's life in the NFL started in 1958 when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles out of Cal-Poly. Unfortunately, Madden never played in the NFL due to injury. He would eventually land the job in Oakland and has been a broadcaster since 1979.

Madden NFL Football is the highest selling sports video game of all time, and doesn't appear to be stopping any time soon.

Madden was a constant butt of many, many jokes; however, when it came right down to it, no one knew more than Mr. John Madden. He's a living legend. (Appeared on SportsCenter's "Blog Buzz on 4/17/09 at 9:55 AM)

His last game in the booth was Pittsburgh's recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

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