There is simply no bigger name in the world of football than the iconic sports giant, John Madden. He was a Hall of Fame coach for the Oakland Raiders and from 1969 to 1978, never suffered a losing season. As head coach, Madden spent 10 seasons with the Oakland Raiders and lead the NFL franchise to win its first championship in Super Bowl XI. At age 42, he became the youngest coach in NFL history to secure 100 wins.  He remains the winningest coach in Raiders and NFL head coach history.

Maddens beloved Raiders released the following statement at word of his passing,

"The Raiders family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden. Few individuals meant as much to the growth and popularity of professional football as Coach Madden, whose impact on the game both on and off the field was immeasurable."

 

Madden's retirement only made him better as he became a legend in sports broadcasting. His memorable play-by-play calls were electric and provided the soundtrack to NFL games for more than 30-years. John Madden was football. He reportedly died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday morning December 28. He was 85. The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reported the sad news Tuesday night with the following statement

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

From product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.
 

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