Madden issued the following statement today:
"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."
BOOM! John Madden retires
Now he can focus full time on his wedding video business.