Since the death of NFL legend John Madden, dozens have shared their feelings about the Hall of Fame coach's impact on football and love of the game. Madden was 85 years old. The Associated Press collected several, from NBC's Al Michaels, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, former Raiders CEO Amy Trask and many others.
___
Al Michaels, lead announcer for NBC's “Sunday Night Football”
“We worked together for seven years on ‘Monday Night Football’ and ‘Sunday Night Football.’ It was like hitting the lottery. He was so much more than just football — a keen observer of everything around him and a man who could carry on a smart conversation about hundreds and hundreds of topics. The term ‘Renaissance Man’ is tossed around a little too loosely these days, but John was as close as you can come. A dear friend, a wonderful partner in the broadcast booth and a man who brought so much joy to so many people, I’ll miss him enormously.”
___
Cris Collinsworth, Madden's successor as analyst on “Sunday Night Football”
“If you love football, John Madden was probably part of the reason why. If you were lucky enough to watch his Raiders, you were likely inspired watching his free-spirited team play with such heart. If you watched him as a broadcaster, you learned the game from the inside out, through the eyes of a former offensive lineman who understood every nuance of the game. But, as a broadcaster he will always be remembered as the original LOL. He could make you belly laugh for reasons you couldn’t explain, but always treasured. And if you remember him for his video game, you probably learned how to play football without ever touching a ball.”
___
Brett Favre, Hall of Fame quarterback
“We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden. My career was narrated by ‘Coach,’ one of the best in the game. I’ll always remember our pre-game (meetings), when we laughed & talked about anything but football. I’ll miss my dear friend. Love & prayers to Virginia & the family.”
___
Dan Rather, former “CBS Evening News” anchor
“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.”
___
Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports chairman from 1989-2011
“John was arguably the most impressive man I’ve ever met. He was a hero, as well as a dear friend. ‘Sunday Night Football’ is what it is today in part because he came over to NBC. He set the tone for what has become prime time’s No. 1 show for the past decade.”
___
Phil Simms, Super Bowl-winning quarterback and CBS broadcaster
“When Madden and (Pat) Summerall did our games, every player & every coach was excited. It felt big. I told John Madden everything. I trusted him & he never betrayed it. I admired John’s passion for the game most and his truth. He was and will he remembered as a GIANT for football.”
___
Amy Trask, former Raiders CEO
“John's impact on the Raiders organization was tremendous. One can't discuss Raiders history without including John in that discussion. He loved the Raiders. He loved the league. He loved the game and that love for the game was evident throughout his career as a coach as a broadcaster and otherwise. My heart is with Raiders fans and all who loved John.”
___
Sam Ponder, host of ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown"
“Rest In Peace, Coach Madden. There was no one like you. A true legend.”
___
Linda Cohn, ESPN anchor
“My heart goes out to the Madden family, Virginia, Joseph and Michael, during this difficult time. John was legendary and always will be. #johnmadden”
___
Gil Brandt, fellow Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys executive
“In the 150+ years football’s been around, no one has had a bigger impact on the game than John Madden. I’m going to really miss him and our Wednesday HOF calls. Rest in peace, John."
___
Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner
“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."
___
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
“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.”
___
Greg Olsen, former NFL tight end and current broadcaster
“I would sit in my room for hours, playing Madden 94, dreaming about the NFL. John Madden voiced countless childhood memories and help cultivate my love of football. Now I make new memories with my boys playing Madden. I never met John Madden. But I feel like I knew him.”
___
Vin Scully, retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster, who also called NFL games
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Madden, at age 85. One the all-time greats, he showed me the ropes during our brief football partnership. He was always kind and delightful. He can now join his former partner, Pat Summerall, in calling Super Bowls in heaven.”
___
Pro Football Hall of Fame
“John Madden was dearly loved by millions of football fans worldwide. While it’s a very sad day, it’s also a day we should celebrate the life of a man who brought joy through the game of football to millions.”
___
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors forward
“RIP to the legend Coach John Madden! I never heard of ALL-PRO teams during my childhood. It was all about the All Madden team!! One of a kind! Rest up Coach.”
___
Adam Sandler, actor
“Loved this man. Loved him as a coach and as a broadcaster. We all did. Love to his family and thanks for all coach.”
___
Ron Rivera, Washington Football Team coach
“Coach John Madden was an NFL icon, who played, coached and gave his name to a video game. But to me he offered his time, wisdom and coaching insight. I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor! RIP Coach.”
___
Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame quarterback
“John Madden was a treasure. He was a gift. And he was an incredible friend. RIP John.”
___
Rex Chapman, former NBA player
“John Madden absolutely roasting Troy Aikman for 44-seconds over Aikman’s inability to grow a beard will always be one of my favorite John Madden memories ...”
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Related
