John Madden, a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster who was at the forefront of football’s popularity boom, died Tuesday. He was 85.
Here are reactions around Twitter and return phone calls from some of his former players:
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families. We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.” — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
“It wasn’t easy working for the Raiders and Al Davis. That alone was a different type of journey. The one thing John did show me is how to deal with Al. I learned a lot of patience and John was not a patient man sometimes. We all learn little bits and pieces about ourselves when we coach with somebody,” — Hall of Fame former Raiders coach Tom Flores, who succeeded Madden as head coach
“First of all, I’m shocked. We all are. He was 85 years old and knew he had health issues in the past few years. But I had a lunch date set up next week with him. We talk all the time. What you see with John is what you get. He’s a big personality; we know that and saw that when he was on the sidelines a Hall of Fame coach; we saw that when he was in the booth, winning 31 Emmys or however many he won every year. And he was that way in his real life. He was a big, fun personality. Smart guy. So dedicated not only to his family – and my condolences go out to Virginia, Mike, Joe, Jesse and everybody. … We did a bocce ball tournament, the Madden/Mariucci, for 22 years we raised $8 million together and supported juvenile diabetes, Type I diabetes, Special Olympics. He was such a good man, a generous man. He was so involved and dedicated to the NFL. He was always on committees. He was so dedicated to the sport of football, his family and everything near and dear to him. We’re going to miss him.” — former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, on the NFL Network
“He coached me for eight years. He was a real players coach, let us do what we wanted as long as we showed up on time for practice and played hard on Sundays. We had a cast of characters. When Ted Hendricks rode into practice on a horse, John just laughed. He kept us going in the right direction and he was very organized and a great leader.” — former Raiders defensive tackle Art Thoms
“We lost a great leader and a great friend. I wish he would have run for Mayor of Oakland.I played nine out of his 10 years, you look at the greatness of our Raiders teams and you couldn’t say Al Davis was great without talking about John, and you couldn’t say John was great without talking about Al. As far as his legacy, I think he did more for the NFL than any man on earth and that includes Al Davis.” — former Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano
“One time in Denver I had a fumble at a bad time, and there was nothing John hated more than fumbles. I tried to walk around him so he wouldn’t see me, but he came over and left me have it. Then after the game, I was walking to my car and he said, `Van, I apologize.’ And he told me he appreciated how hard I was playing for him. The guys just loved him to death.” — former Raiders running back Mark vanEeghen
“It’s impossible to put into words the impact John had on my life. Not only was John my first client, he was family. He was a man who touched so many, and his legacy will continue to inspire the sports world and young children who will fall in love with the game of football.” — Sandy Montag, Madden’s longtime agent
“RIP, coach. You were a blessing to us all.” — Ronnie Lott, Hall of Fame defensive back
“Coach John Madden was an NFL icon, who played, coached and gave his name to a video game. But to me he offered his time, wisdom and coaching insight. I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor! RIP Coach.” — Ron Rivera, Washington Football Team coach
‘John Madden was a true football man. RIP, Coach.” — Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers coach
“True sadness! Just exchanged fun texts with him on Dec 21. Typical John Madden stuff, huge coaching legend, mentor, intelligent with savvy, sense and humor. One of a great kind. His documentary is a keeper. He loved his dogs. Join with all others our sincere regrets to his family.” — Tony La Russa, Chicago White Sox manager.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Coach Madden. Few, if any, have had as great an impact on the sport of professional football on so many different levels as Coach Madden. He was first and foremost a coach. He was a coach on the field, a coach in the broadcast booth and a coach in life. He was dearly loved by millions of football fans worldwide.” – Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter, adding that the museum’s flag will be flown at half-staff in Madden’s memory
“My heart is with you @Raiders fans and I am truly sorry that I can’t reply to all of your magnificent notes – one can’t discuss Raiders history without discussing John and my heart really is with you and of course with his family and all who loved him.” – Amy Trask, former Raiders executive and current CBS analyst
“A coaching and broadcasting legend and loved by all. You will be missed. RIP John Madden” – Jerry Rice, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and former 49ers’ and Raiders’ star
“I absolutely loved John Madden. He was not only a mentor, but a dear friend. I will always remember his smile.” – Melissa Stark, NFL Network broadcaster
“The 49ers mourn the passing of Bay Area native and football icon John Madden. He was an inspiration to so many and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts – along with those of the entire football community – are with John’s family and loved ones.” – San Francisco 49ers statement
“One of the greatest to ever do it as a coach and in the booth. Your life has impacted many. RIP John Madden. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, #Raidernation , and all impacted by his passing.” — Bryant Young, former 49ers defensive lineman
“RIP to the legend Coach John Madden! I never heard of ALL-PRO teams during my childhood. It was all about the All Madden team!! One of a kind! Rest up Coach.” — Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors forward
“I always loved sitting down & talking with the Legend #JohnMadden – he was larger than life in the NFL world… but what left a larger impression upon me was the character of the man! Honored to have played in last SB he would call in the booth… We love u & we’ll miss you Coach!” — Kurt Warner, Hall of Fame quarterback
“John Madden is gone but what a legacy he leaves. He coached with passion and made football fun to watch! Thanks coach Madden. You will be remembered as a once in a lifetime unique and awesome human!” — Morten Andersen, Hall of Fame kicker
“R.I.P. to John Madden. It was one of my greatest honors to grace the cover of your video game. Thank you for the years of joy and motivation!” — Richard Sherman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback
“Few approached life with the joy of legendary football coach & broadcaster John Madden. A colleague at CBS, he was a gentleman with a boisterous sense of humor. On the sidelines & in the booth, this voluble mountain of energy was a trailblazer. A golden era ends with his passing.” — Dan Rather, former CBS colleague