John Madden Retires From Broadcasting

Real Madden may move on, but V-Madden will always have your back.

John Madden has announced his retirement from the football commentary business. The 73-year-old former football coach and extreme bus enthusiast released the following words as part of a prepared statement:

"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."

Chris Collinsworth will take his place in the booth on television. There's at least one rumor going around about Madden's future, claiming that he may end up in a front-office position with the Oakland Raiders.

Whether you like him or not, Madden is an American icon with one heck of a career. Of course, this probably leaves people wondering what will happen to EA's long-running Madden NFL football series. We dropped EA a note to ask, but my guess is that it doesn't change a thing. Madden hasn't been doing full color commentary in the games for a few years now, instead appearing around the periphery of the game as a creepy hologram. His impact to football doesn't diminish by retiring or taking a job with the Raiders, so I'd expect that he'll stay in place as name before the league in EA's series.

[UPDATE] EA has released the following statement:

EA SPORTS continues its strong relationship with John Madden and will continue to produce new versions EA SPORTS Madden NFL with John’s collaboration. His retirement has no impact on EA, other than us wishing him the very best in this next stage in his life. He’s earned the time off.
We will continue to work with John, as we have for years, on the making of Madden NFL. His role has evolved over the years through the creative development process of the game. That will not change any time soon.
Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS, has also issued the following statement on John’s retirement:
“John is a true sports icon who has made an indelible impact on the sport of football which will be felt forever. His prolific coaching and broadcasting careers, as well as his distinct role in shaping the EA SPORTS football experience have redefined how multiple generations have come to know and love the sport with unrivaled passion. We’re excited to see his legacy live on in the 21st year of Madden NFL football, and well beyond. It’s been a privilege for EA SPORTS to have had the strong relationship we’ve had with John for more than two decades and one that will continue into the future.”

Here's our world exclusive report on the launch of last year's Madden game, in case you can't remember what this "football" thing is all about.