BOOM: Madden Announces Exodus

Hundreds advance their profession. Several enrich their profession. Few revolutionize their profession. John Madden transcended his profession.

On Thursday, Madden retired. Cris Collinsworth supplanted him. “There is one thing football fans have agreed on for decades: they all love John Madden,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “John was a Hall of Fame coach before becoming one of the most-celebrated personalities in sports. He had an incredible talent for explaining the game in an unpretentious way that made it more understandable and fun. John's respect and passion for the game always stood out. He was the ultimate football fan who also happened to be an extraordinarily talented coach and broadcaster.”

During his press conference, Madden was reflective. “You know at some point you have to do this -- I got to that point,” he said. “The thing that made it hard is not because I'm second-guessing, 'Is it the right decision?' But I enjoyed it so damn much. I enjoyed the game and the players and the coaches and the film and the travel and everything. If you hated part of it or if something was wrong, it'd be easy.”

From 1979-1994, Madden served as CBS’ Principal Analyst. From 1994-2002, he served as FOX’s Principal Analyst. From 2002-2005, he served as ABC’s Principal Analyst. From 2005-2009, he served as NBC’s Principal Analyst. Overall, Madden announced eleven Super Bowls.

“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” said Al Michaels. “There's never been anyone like him and he's been the gold standard for analysts for almost three decades.”

As previously stated, announcers enter. Announcers exit. Most merely compliment the visual. Madden owned the conversation. He is an icon. He will be missed.