GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Across the football world, teams and sports figures are reacting to the passing of NFL legend John Madden.
The NFL said Tuesday the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster died at age 85. Madden's exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades. The league says he died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning and did not provide a cause.
The Green Bay Packers issued a statement Tuesday evening calling Madden, "one of a kind."
The Packers share our condolences with the family & friends of John Madden. His impact on the game of football was immeasurable, & his visits to Lambeau Field were special not only to the organization, but to Packers fans all over the country tuning in. He was one of a kind. https://t.co/yKTedv0Obp
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 29, 2021
Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre also issued a statement offering condolences, saying: "We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden."
We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden. My career was narrated by “Coach”, one of the best in the game.
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) December 29, 2021
I’ll always remember our pre-game mtgs, when we laughed & talked about anything but football. I’ll miss my dear friend.
Love & prayers to Virginia & the family. pic.twitter.com/DImjAbUTGI
Coaching the renegade Oakland Raiders, Madden compiled a stellar 103-32-7 regular-season record and led his team to victory in the Super Bowl after the 1976 season. He became an even more impactful figure after he stopped coaching at age 42, entertaining millions who tuned in to NFL football. He also was the name behind the hugely popular sports video game, “Madden NFL Football.”
This article contains content from the Associated Press.
