Sports world reacts to death of NFL great, broadcasting legend John Madden

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HENDERSON, Nev. — Pro Football Hall of Famer John Madden died Tuesday at the age of 85, leaving behind an influential legacy that stretched from the sidelines as a decade-long coach of the Oakland Raiders to three decades in the broadcast booth to a transcendent video game bearing his name.

Madden, an unknown 32-year-old linebacker coach who was promoted by Al Davis in 1969, was the 1969 AFL coach of the year and led the Raiders through the 1978 season. In 10 years under Madden, the Raiders won seven division titles and Super Bowl XI. His .759 winning percentage (103-32-7) in the regular season is the highest by any coach in NFL history (minimum 100 games). He was also 9-7 in the postseason and was on the sidelines for such seminal games as the “The Immaculate Reception,” “The Sea of Hands,” “Ghost to the Post” and “The Holy Roller.”

Citing burnout, Madden retired from coaching and became a broadcaster known for his demonstrative and every-man calls, “Boom!” entering the lexicon. He worked with CBS from 1979-94, Fox until 2002, ABC until 2006 and NBC until 2009.

Younger generations of fans, though, know Madden from the omnipresent video game that bears his name and has sold more than 250 million copies since its release in 1988.

Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was presented by Al Davis.

“He Was A Raider !!!” Raiders owner Mark Davis texted to ESPN.com.

Madden’s death elicited responses from the sports world giving their thoughts and tributes:





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