Mad About Madden

Well, sad would be closer to the mark than mad, but it still has that Aw, man! quality about it.

Legendary coach and NFL broadcaster John Madden has decided to hang up his cleats for good. Madden announced his retirement in a statement Thursday morning.

"It's time. I'm 73 years old...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...It's still fun and that's what makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision."

Madden is famous for being involved with nearly the entire history of American football, first as a player (both offense and defense) at California Polytechnic State University, then as the coach of the winning SuperBowl XI Oakland Raiders, then as an NFL broadcaster. Younger generations know him from his successful video game titles of Madden NFL. NBC Sports director Dick Ebersol confirms that Chris Collinsworth will replace John Madden on NBC.

I don't know about you, but Monday Night Football (now Sunday Night Football) will never be the same without the dynamic duo of Madden and Michaels. I just loved to hear the man talk; some people ridiculed Madden for saying the obvious sometimes, but Madden beats anyone out there hands-down for sheer knowledge of the game from personal experience. Who else in all of football could make stars out of front linemen?

And now who will carve the Turducken on Thanksgiving?

It's the end of an era. Thanks, John, it's been good.