Legendary NFL broadcaster John Madden is retiring after nearly 30 years on television.
The former Oakland Raiders head coach has broadcast football games for all four of the major broadcast networks, most recently with NBC, where he called Super Bowl XLIII earlier this year.
"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..." Madden said in a statement.
"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."
Madden is the recipient of 16 Sports analyst/personality Emmy Awards and the American Sportscasters Association named him sportscaster of the year twice, in 1985 and 1992.
He also gave his name to what is the best selling videogame franchise of all time, EA Sports' Madden NFL Football, which has sold more than 65 million copies since its first edition was released more than 20 years ago.
