Kirk Herbstreit comments on the unexpected passing of John Madden

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit commented Tuesday on the unexpected passing of legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden. Madden’s broadcasting career made him the face of the NFL for many fans, as Herbstreit remembered growing up with him on television.

Kirk Herbstreit on John Madden

“So sad to hear this,” commented Herbstreit on the news. “Such a fan of his — growing up in my era it was Pat Summerall and John Madden on Sunday. No matter who your team was — changed the game of how football games were broadcasted. Legend as a coach and a broadcaster — My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”

For Herbstreit and many fans of the NFL, Madden’s voice alongside Pat Summerall was the premier NFL experience on television. Madden paired up with Summerall in 1981 and the duo would work together for 22 seasons on two different networks. Madden’s lively personality made him the perfect partner for Summerall, and his love of football earned him the love of fans everywhere.

Madden’s total broadcasting career spanned three decades from 1979 to 2009, when he finally retired from calling football games. He won 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covered 11 Super Bowls.

The unexpected passing of Madden sent a shockwave through the football world as his career touched the lives of almost everybody involved with the NFL. Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his time as coach of the Oakland Raiders, leading them to a championship in 1976.

John Madden’s legacy

After starting his coaching career as an assistant at Allan Hancock College in 1960, John Madden quickly rose through the ranks and accepted the Oakland Raiders linebackers coach job in 1967. Just two years later, at 32-years old, he became head coach. The team reached five AFC championship games in seven years before breaking through for a Super Bowl win in 1976. After failing to reach the playoffs in 1978, he retired from coaching.

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.

On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this article.