NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol announced that John Madden (pictured), Hall of Fame coach and the most honored broadcaster in sports television history, has decided to retire from broadcasting.Madden issued the following statement this morning:
"It’s time. I’m 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I’m home and, more importantly, when I’m not…”
Since he left coaching in 1979, the former Oakland Raider coach has worked as an analyst for all four broadcast networks. His "Madden NFL Football" is the top-selling sports video game of all time.
John Madden quick facts:
A 21st-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958.
Became the youngest coach in the history of the AFL in 1969 at the age of 33.
Signed four-year broadcast contract in 1994 for $32 million, which was more than any NFL player was making at the time.
Afraid to fly, he travels about 80,000 miles per year in the Madden Cruiser, an $800,000 fully equipped bus, complete with kitchen, queen bed, office and sauna. Two of his Madden Cruiser busses are shown below. He hasn’t stepped on a plane since 1979.
Authored five books that have made the New York Times best-seller list.
His NFL video game is one of the all-time top sellers.
Has a masters degree in education from Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University).
Named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Two of the Madden Cruiser's he has used over the years are shown below. They are 45-foot luxury rolling command post's, with high-speed Internet access, multiple TVs, a navigation system, cell phones and a fax - all in satellite contact with the outside world.
The photo above shows Oakland Raiders coach John Madden and his quarterback Daryle Lamonica during a game against the Washington Redskins in October, 1970.
Link here and here.
A picture of my cave
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