Football legend John Madden dies unexpectedly at 85

"Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football," the NFL commissioner said.

Published: December 28, 2021 7:31pm

Updated: December 28, 2021 7:46pm

Pro-Football Hall of Fame coach John Madden died unexpectedly Tuesday morning at the age of 85, the NFL reported.

"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," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, adding that he sends his condolences to Madden's family.

"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," Goodell concluded.

"The game of football has lost a legendary figure," the NFL stated. The league plans to provide more information shortly.

As head coach of the Oakland Raiders, Madden won Super Bowl XI in 1977. He is remembered for lending his name to the popular popular "Madden NFL" video game series.