(WXYZ) - Dick Ebersol, the head of NBC Sports, is confirming that broadcaster John Madden is retiring.
Madden issued the following statement: "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…
It’s been such a great ride… the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans …is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.
I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people… but I know this is the right time."
Prior to becoming a broadcaster, Madden served as head coach for the Oakland Raiders. It was during his time as coach that the Raiders won Super Bowl XI. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach in 2006.
Madden retired from coaching in 1979, and began his broadcasting career that same year. He would work for CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC during his time on the air. He is the only person to work as the lead analyst for all four broadcast networks.
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