Broadcaster John Madden has officially retired from announcing football games this morning, according to NBC.

Here is what John Madden had to say:

“It’s time. I’m 73 years old.  My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I’m home and, more importantly, when I’m not…

“It’s been such a great ride… the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is.  I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans…is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.

“I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and   meeting new people… but I know this is the right time.”

NBC’s Dick Ebersol had this to say about John Madden:

“To put any speculation to rest, John has just decided to retire because it’s time – nothing more, nothing less, we will never see or hear another man like John Madden. We will sorely miss him because he was the most fun guy ever to just hang out with.”

Chris Collinsworth will take over Madden’s spot on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and work with Al Michaels.

Will you miss John Madden?

all quotes from usatoday.com

Broadcaster John Madden has officially retired from announcing football games this morning, according to NBC.

Here is what John Madden had to say:

“It’s time. I’m 73 years old.  My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I’m home and, more importantly, when I’m not…

“It’s been such a great ride… the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is.  I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans…is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.

“I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and   meeting new people… but I know this is the right time.”

NBC’s Dick Ebersol had this to say about John Madden:

“To put any speculation to rest, John has just decided to retire because it’s time – nothing more, nothing less, we will never see or hear another man like John Madden. We will sorely miss him because he was the most fun guy ever to just hang out with.”

Chris Collinsworth will take over Madden’s spot on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and work with Al Michaels.

Will you miss John Madden?

all quotes from usatoday.com