The Bay Area, the NFL and America lost an absolute icon Tuesday, as John Madden passed away at the age of 85. Before the Warriors hosted the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center Tuesday night, Golden State coach Steve Kerr shared a message for Madden’s family.
“On behalf of the organization, I just want to send our condolences to the Madden family,” Kerr said. “What a life, what an incredible figure in American sports. Obviously, a legend here in the Bay Area, both being a resident and what he did with the Raiders, what he did for sports broadcasting. Our thoughts go out to the Madden family. What a life he lived.”
Kerr and Madden have a lot in common, as Bay Area coaching legends who also served as TV commentators. Madden was a giant in the football world, but got his start in the NFL as the Oakland Raiders linebackers coach in 1967. He was promoted to head coach in 1969, starting his 10-year run that included a 103-32-7 record (76.3 win percentage) and a win in Super Bowl XI.
Madden went on to form an iconic broadcast duo with partner Pat Summerall on FOX and eventually called games for “Monday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Football” before retiring in the broadcast booth. Ultimately, Madden’s greatest legacy will likely be his namesake NFL video game franchise, which has become the standard in sports video games since its inception in 1988.
Warriors forward Draymond Green also shared his condolences via Twitter.
Madden lived in Pleasanton and was a frequent contributor to Bay Area sports radio over the years. His humorous, roundabout takes, big laugh, friendly nature will be missed dearly.
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