Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre pay tribute to the late John Madden

The Green Bay Packers and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre paid tribute on Tuesday after the news that legendary NFL figure John Madden had passed away. The storied NFL franchise and Hall of Fame quarterback both shared their deep respect for the career and impact Madden had on the NFL and football.

Brett Favre and the Packers on John Madden

“The Packers share our condolences with the family & friends of John Madden,” read Green Bay’s official statement. “His impact on the game of football was immeasurable, and his visits to Lambeau Field were special not only to the organization, but to Packers fans all over the country tuning in. He was one of a kind.”

Madden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading them to five AFC championship game appearances in a span of seven years. In 1976, Madden and the Raiders won it all with a Super Bowl victory in one of the biggest moments in Madden’s career. Two years later, the Raiders missed out on the playoffs in 1978 and he would retire from coaching.

After retiring, Madden began his broadcasting career in 1979 and would become the premiere broadcaster for the NFL over the next three decades. Madden’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the game he loved so much was infectious, and he became one of the biggest names in football history.

“We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden,” said Brett Favre of Madden’s passing. “My career was narrated by ‘Coach,’ one of the best in the game. I’ll always remember our pre-game meetings, when we laughed and talked about anything but football. I’ll miss my dear friend. Love and prayers to Virginia and the family.”

He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Over the course of his career Madden added 16 Emmy Awards to his Super Bowl trophy.

After becoming one of the most recognizable faces in football over his time with every major network, he also helped launch the NFL’s most popular video game with EA Sports. In 2012, he stated that the game provided’ “a way for people to learn the game (of football) and participate in the game at a pretty sophisticated level.” The Madden title continues to grace the cover of the video game beyond his career and now carries his legacy.