John Madden Retires
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Thu, 04/16/2009 - 13:56
Whether you loved him or hated him, John Madden was the voice of the NFL (Not to be confused with Harry the K, THE voice of NFL Films). His quirky analogies weren't a fan favorite and at times he would ramble on about something for 5 plays while his broadcasting partners would try to get a word in about the game going on NOW. That said, his knowledge of the game, the nuts and bolts and nuance of each play going on was phenomenal, even if his delivery of this info to the listening was a little overwhelming to a fan who has never played a down in their life.
He's worked with greats, nay, Legends during his 30 year tenure as a broadcaster including Pat Summerall and Al Michaels. Pat Summerall never compromised his calling of a game to keep up with Madden's often fast paced and frenetic breakdown of the game. He always played it straight and that's why the two worked well together for many years. His recent pairing with Michaels was equally as good and their back and forth banter in between plays was what made them a dynamic pair. Until Madden's final broadcast of his career, this past Super Bowl, the Sunday Night Football booth had over 80 years of broadcasting experience working for it!
Whether you loved him or hated him as a broadcaster, he is, in my humble opinion, irreplacable and NBC will have a hard time putting someone in the booth besides Al that will match the charm, wit and love for the game that John Madden had.
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 16:23
#2
I absolutely loved Madden throughout the 80s & early 90s during his time with CBS/Fox. The announcing team of Summerall & Madden has never been surpassed. As sportsbar said above, they worked extremely well together -- Summerall was understated & he let Madden do much of the analysis & "heavy lifting" throughout the broadcast. When those two did a game together, you knew it was a big game.
I didn't like Madden's work on Monday Night/Sunday Night Football as much. However, he definitely was the voice of the NFL for the past 30 years or so. He had the perfect combination of easy-to-understand high-level analysis, an "everyman" quality, and an entertaining side. Even though I think he's lost a bit of that over the years, I'll still miss him.
And...as GLC said, he was one of the most underrated coaches in NFL History. He only won one Super Bowl, but the Raiders were consistently excellent throughout the 70s under his leadership. I was a young tyke in those days, but I can still vaguely remember Kenny Stabler, John Madden, and the Raiders always being in the AFC hunt.
Fri, 04/17/2009 - 11:42
#3
Being a steelers fan, i know all too well of john madden and his raiders of the 70's. I did respect him as a coach, and the oakland raiders of that era were always at the top.
I think once his broadcasting took off, it overshadowed what he did as a coach.
There is a generation that only knows him for a GREAT!!! video game. While his games, and his announce career are hall of fame like it its on way, madden should always be remembered for those great teams with the raiders.
I think now that he has retired, all the great memories of those days will once again come alive for younger fans to see and admire.
Fri, 04/17/2009 - 14:19
#4
GLC, you may appreciate my special guest on the show tonight at 6pm PDT. I'll have Jason Jones from the Sacramento Bee to talk Raiders football, the Draft and much more. Hope to see you there.
maddan was the coach to reach 100 wins faster then anybody else.. i became a raider fan because of this man. i would wear black and silver and get beat up in new jersey. he made football easy to understand. he made you love the game of football. thats what we need more of in the broadcasting world. man its been heavy week
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also known as THE GLC