RSS
Home
Boom – Madden retires
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Unlike his huge personality, John Madden, 73, quietly announced today he is hanging up his headset after 30 years of calling games for the NFL. While Madden has taken flack in recent years for overstating the obvious in the booth and his seemingly huge love affair with Brett Favre, he is unquestionably one of the most famous NFL broadcasters of all time.
Madden mentioned his age and family as the reason for departing the booth after three decades, saying he wanted more time with his five grandchildren and two sons, while he approaches his 50th wedding anniversary.
Madden's decision comes as quite a shock after the high energy broadcaster finished his career calling Pittsburgh’s win over the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. Love him or hate him, everybody knew when you heard his robust voice and the patented “Boom” when there was a fierce collision on the field, that you were watching the biggest game of the week.
Madden’s signature style earned him a spot among broadcasting legends especially during his days with Pat Summerall at CBS. The duo formed what is arguably one of the best broadcast teams ever before Madden hooked up with Al Michaels for ABC and NBC.
Madden won 16 Emmy awards during his broadcast career after the Hall of Famer coached the Oakland Raiders to an 103-32-7 overall record and a Super Bowl Championship. His .750 winning percentage is the highest of any coach in the history of the league.
And who among us wasn’t an EA Sports maniac playing “Madden NFL Football” with his popular catch phrases blaring out on the video game. I think I missed more classes in college just to hook up with buddies and talk major trash during our Madden tournaments.
The next question is who will replace the legend in the booth. Examiner Paula Duffy has some thoughts and is taking a poll right now for who should fill Madden’s huge shoes.
As Madden walks away from the NFL, we should all reflect on how many games he has called over the years and in the distance listen closely for one last “BOOM.”
Also check out Andrew Kossak's take on Madden
