John Madden Retires

Legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden announced Thursday that he'll retire from broadcasting after more than 40 years on the field.

Madden is turning off his mike to spend more time with his family, including his wife of 50 years, he told NBC Sports.

"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," Madden said.

"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," said the Super Bowl-winning coach, 73.

Madden helmed the Oakland Raiders for ten years, from 1969 to 1979, debuting as the youngest coach ever in the American Football League. His .750 winning percentage remains the best in NFL history.

The Raiders took home seven AFC Western Division titles and one Super Bowl under Madden's expert coaching.

Madden began as a broadcaster after retiring from the Raiders and has since won 16 Emmy awards for his work as a sports analyst on CBS, FOX, ABC and most recently with NBC Sports. Madden is the only broadcaster to work as the lead sports analyst for all four major networks.

"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," he said.

Madden's video game, "Madden NFL Football," is the best-selling sports video game of all time, with 65 million copies sold worldwide.

He's also written several best-selling books and now lives in Pleasanton, Calif. with his family.

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