7:17 PM
John Madden, a Hall of Fame coach and commentator who provided a weekly soundtrack to football games for three decades, died Tuesday morning. He died at the age of 85.
"On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our sympathies to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families," Roger Goodell said in a statement. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and we all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Coach loved football more than anyone else. He was a football player. He was a great sounding board. We will always be indebted to John Madden for all he did to make football what it is today.
Al Davis hired Madden to coach Oakland in 1969 at the age of 32. After the 1976 season, Madden left the sideline for the announcing booth and the Raiders went on to win the Super Bowl.
Oakland made the playoffs eight times under Madden and won seven division titles.
Madden was in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 28 years after coaching his final game. He retired from coaching early because of his fear of flying.
Madden gained even more fame as an analyst for the football video game that bears his name. Some players who have graced the Madden cover have struggled the following season, spurring the fan myth of the Madden curse.
Information from The Associated Press was used.
