The NFL world mourned the loss of Hall of Fame coach and broadcasting icon John Madden on Tuesday afternoon.
Madden died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, the league announced. He was 85.
Madden is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable names in the history of the NFL, whether it’s from his coaching career with the Oakland Raiders, his broadcasting run with nearly every network or even the NFL 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
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
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
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
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
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