John Madden Rides His Bus Into The Sunset

It is official. We have finally heard our last “Boom!”

John Madden, a broadcaster who entertained fans with his simple, down-home analysis and a coach who led his Raiders to a Super Bowl in 1974, announced his retirement today.

In some ways, it was time for Madden to retire. He had run the circuit of major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX) over his 30-year tenure. He had the opportunity to hoist a Lombardi Trophy over his head as the coach of the former Los Angeles Raiders, which is a feat few people get to do even once in their lifetime. 

He brought millions of football fans a high-quality video game that is consistently one of the best-selling sports games in the whole world.

The 73-year-old Madden cited that he would like to spend more time with his family. There is no other sports broadcaster who so richly deserves to go and do that like this man; after over 40 years of traveling all over the world, nobody deserves the rest more.

I grew up listening to John Madden and Pat Summerall calling the big games on Fox. When he moved to ABC, he and another great broadcaster, Al Michaels, brought the game into my living room every week. They both moved to NBC, and the horde of Madden fans followed him. I was always constantly entertained by his commentary, and he is partially why I love writing and reporting on sports.

Now, finally, John Madden can ride his bus off into the sunset knowing that when he left, he left as one of the best.

We salute you, John Madden. No one could “Boom!” quite like you.