The NFL world mourned the loss of Hall of Fame coach and broadcasting icon John Madden on Tuesday.
Madden died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, the league announced. He was 85.
Madden was one of the most recognizable names in NFL history, whether it’s from his coaching career with the Oakland Raiders, his broadcasting run with nearly every network or even the video game that’s been named after him.
Naturally, the sports world and football fans everywhere honored Madden on social media almost instantly after news of his death.
So sad to hear this.
Such a fan of his-Growing up in my era it was Pat Summerall & John Madden on Sunday.
No matter who your team was-changed the game of how football games were broadcasted.
Legend as a coach and a broadcaster-My thoughts & prayers with his family & friends. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/wVKbWySrtF— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 29, 2021
I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Madden, at age 85. One the all-time greats, he showed me the ropes during our brief football partnership. He was always kind and delightful. He can now join his former partner, Pat Summerall, in calling Super Bowls in heaven.
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) December 29, 2021
We lost a great coach, man and legend. Thanks for the one of most distinctive voices in all the sports. Also thank you for recognizing and respecting my gift. RIP
Little Giants https://t.co/nk9OAJR4ty— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) December 29, 2021
Idk if there will ever be another John Madden….just iconic
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 29, 2021
Rest in Paradise To the 🐐 John Madden!!!! Your legacy will continue to live on ♾!!!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 29, 2021
Rest in heaven John Madden!! True definition of legendary!! Thanks for all you did for the game I love with all my heart!! And you are a big reason for that!!
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) December 29, 2021
Before I went into broadcasting with FOX Sports, Coach Andy Reid asked me to speak with John Madden. Mr. Madden’s advice to me was to just be myself. His words gave me the confidence to pursue this new career path. I thank Andy for suggesting and Mr. Madden for accepting my call. pic.twitter.com/2sZGdPscJX
— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) December 29, 2021
one thing about madden as broadcaster was how personable he was while retaining the gravitas that came from being a championship-winning coach. clearly from a time when coaches were seen more as teachers than ceo’s.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) December 29, 2021
I would sit in my room for hours, playing Madden 94, dreaming about the NFL. John Madden voiced countless childhood memories and help cultivate my love of football.
Now I make new memories with my boys playing Madden.
I never met John Madden. But I feel like I knew him. 🙏
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) December 29, 2021
RIP to an incredible man and coach, John Madden. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and Raider Nation🙏🏿
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 29, 2021
A legend, icon and American original.
Few make a true impact on their sport…
He made an indelible mark on three levels coach, broadcaster and video games.What a life that touched so many of us. Prayers to his family and friends. https://t.co/7JHIIQgYmU
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) December 29, 2021
Rest In Peace, John Madden. One of our all-time most beloved personalities. ❤️🏈
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) December 29, 2021
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 (@RiverboatRonHC) December 29, 2021
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! pic.twitter.com/4P4NKdC1gT
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 29, 2021
Transformational. Generational.
These words are too often used inappropriately when talking sports personalities in general. It IS appropriate to use when talking about John Madden, and there is no need to explain why. It just is what it is. He changed the game. #RIP legend.— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 29, 2021
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 (@Money23Green) December 29, 2021
John Madden was a true football man. RIP, Coach.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) December 29, 2021
Just found out that John Madden has passed away. The world and the world of sports has lost a true icon. We all learns so much from him. My prayer go out to his family.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) December 29, 2021
Plenty of fans shared some of Madden’s best broadcasting bits, movie clips and other moments of his throughout the years, too.
My favorite John Madden memory was when he randomly showed up in The Little Giants with a bus load of NFL superstars who helped give advice to a peewee football team on how to beat those arrogant, good for nothing Cowboys. RIP pic.twitter.com/8o289fysEx
— East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) December 29, 2021