Cowboys legend pens tribute to John Madden following passing

Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, like the rest of the football world, was mourning the death of NFL coaching and broadcasting legend John Madden on Tuesday, taking to Twitter to share his tribute to the late Coach Madden.

Madden passed away unexpectedly at age 85 on Tuesday.

“We lost a great coach, man and legend,” Smith said on Twitter. “Thanks for the one of most distinctive voices in all the sports. Also thank you for recognizing and respecting my gift. RIP Little Giants.”

Smith played 15 seasons in the NFL, spending the majority of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. The 1990 first-round pick out of Florida went on to win an MVP, three Super Bowls and make four Pro Bowls, all while being inducted to both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL legend John Madden passes away unexpectedly at 85

Former NFL head coach and broadcaster John Madden passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning at the age of 85, according to a statement from the league. After 10 seasons as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, he spent three decades in the broadcast booth with CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC.

The NFL released the following statement on the passing of John Madden:

“Earlier today we received the sad news that the great John Madden died unexpectedly this morning, He was 85.

“’On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend out condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,’ said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. ‘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.’

“’Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.’

“Memorial service information will be announced when available.”

On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this report.