John Madden, legendary NFL coach and broadcaster, dead at 85

‘RIP to a legend of our game’: Tom Brady and LeBron James lead tributes to John Madden after the Super Bowl-winning coach and commentator famed for his video game association dies aged 82

  • John Madden’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
  • Madden was a beloved coach for the Oakland Raiders and hugely popular commentator 
  • Madden was only 32 when then-Raiders owner Al Davis hired him to coach Oakland in 1969
  • Oakland never had a losing record under Madden, winning seven division titles and making the playoffs eight times
  • He retired from coaching in 1978, with a fear of flying contributing to his decision to step down and take up broadcasting 
  • Madden was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, 28 years after coaching his final game 
  • He remained wildly popular with young people, thanks partly to the EA Sports video game, Madden NFL