On Tuesday night, the football world mourned the loss of an iconic figure: legendary coach and analyst John Madden.
The man who changed the way the world watched the game passed away earlier this morning, according to a statement from the NFL. He was 85 years old.
Following the loss of the legendary figure, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had a stirring tribute for Madden. “This is a loss that is as big as the legacy that John Madden created,” Jones said in a statement on Tuesday night.
“A legacy of love. Love for family, for football and for life. I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: “I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more.” pic.twitter.com/gOSz8K1g1Z
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 29, 2021
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a statement. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”
Madden led the Raiders to the AFC title game six times – winning one Super Bowl win over Minnesota.
The legendary football figure owns the best winning percentage in modern football history, winning a staggering 75.9-percent of his games.
