Madden 22 players are mourning the death of NFL legend John Madden in the moments following the news of his passing at 85.
The National Football League announced that Madden had unexpectedly died on December 28. The news quickly made its way to every corner of sports fandom.
Since 1988, the Madden name ushered football fans to the gridiron with EA Sports’ franchise, which took players closer to the action than ever before.
Even outside of video games, he had become synonymous with the sport he played, coached, and broadcasted over the course of 50 years.
Madden players mourn football’s icon
After news of Madden’s passing spread, people mourned the person whose name would inspire a generation of players and fans.
“RIP. Madden video games have been a foundation of my gaming life for 20 years,” one fan said. “Playing 2005 as we speak. All-time favorite Madden quote from the game: ‘that’s the golden rule, if you get your hands on it ya gotta catch it.’”
“My love of football wouldn’t be where it is today without John Madden,” another player said. “Basically one of the major reasons the NFL is popular as it is.”
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Thousands more tributes poured in on Twitter, Reddit, and more from people who shared a bond with the beloved franchise.
NFL commissioner’s statement on Madden’s passing
NFL legend John Madden died unexpected this morning. He was 85. pic.twitter.com/FoC1mAzoF6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021
The NFL released a statement on John Madden’s passing that touched on the Coach’s storied career.
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe, and their families,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“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.”
The entire football fanbase is remembering John Madden and the legacy he leaves behind on the sport he helped build up to where it stands today.
