Tributes Pour in for NFL Legend John Madden After His Death

He left an indelible legacy on the NFL through his coaching and broadcasting career, and his name lives on in the wildly popular Madden NFL video game series.

The football world lost an icon on Tuesday with the death of Hall of Famer John Madden.

Madden, 85, was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders for 10 years, leading the franchise to its first championship in Super Bowl XI. After retiring from coaching, Madden went on to a 40-year broadcasting career, where he cemented his legacy as one of the most adored figures in the game. He gained further renown for the long-running video game series, Madden NFL, which has bore his name since 1988.

“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

When news of his death broke, people from around the game poured in their respects to Madden's life and legacy. Read some of the tributes below:

The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden.

Statement » https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6 pic.twitter.com/HA0GDGPN46

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 29, 2021

If you were in my dad’s generation, you’ll remember him as a coach. If you’re in my generation, you’ll remember him as a broadcaster. If you’re in my son’s generation, you’ll remember him by the video game.

No one has a legacy like his. https://t.co/gWG3vS1qT3

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 29, 2021

Legend…. pic.twitter.com/T1cttXFIsf

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021

MDS nails it with his closing line: "John Madden may have been the single most influential person in the history of the sport of football."

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 29, 2021

So sad to hear this.
Such a fan of his-Growing up in my era it was Pat Summerall & John Madden on Sunday.
No matter who your team was-changed the game of how football games were broadcasted.
Legend as a coach and a broadcaster-My thoughts & prayers with his family & friends. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/wVKbWySrtF

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 29, 2021

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: “I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more.” pic.twitter.com/gOSz8K1g1Z

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 29, 2021

I hope John & Pat are calling a game somewhere

— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) December 29, 2021

I always loved sitting down & talking with the Legend #JohnMadden - he was larger than life in the NFL world… but what left a larger impression upon me was the character of the man! Honored to have played in last SB he would call in the booth… We love u & we’ll miss you Coach!

— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) December 29, 2021

Few approached life with the joy of legendary football coach & broadcaster John Madden. A colleague at CBS, he was a gentleman with a boisterous sense of humor. On the sidelines & in the booth, this voluble mountain of energy was a trailblazer. A golden era ends with his passing.

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 29, 2021

John Madden, the G.O.A.T. pic.twitter.com/dnEvOnF6ZY

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 29, 2021

big part of why everyone my age thinks every football color commentator is wack is because we grew up with john madden. man set an unreachable standard.

— bomani (@bomani_jones) December 29, 2021

Today we lost a legend.

Take a look back at Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden’s iconic career. pic.twitter.com/P6MmCHsWnO

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 29, 2021

One thing we not about to get twisted about John Madden is dude could COACH. pic.twitter.com/0HtDuPYnTJ

— Richard🇬🇾Johnson (@RJ_cfb) December 29, 2021

John Madden was a coaching legend but was also a genius as a commentator

I can’t imagine how many people became NFL fans because he made it more entertaining

Thanksgiving as a child was even more fun thanks to his energy, creativity & love for the gamepic.twitter.com/hhIID8G0YB

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 29, 2021

A statement on the great John Madden from @nflcommish. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/HwUm8eT8rr

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021

More on John Madden:

• Busman's Holiday
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• NFL 100: Influential Figures Who Shaped Pro Football
• Fox’s Upcoming John Madden Documentary Looks Freakin’ Amazing: TRAINA THOUGHTS