I’ve always hated the Oakland Raiders, and I suspect I always will. But for some reason, I always liked John Madden when he was their coach. Maybe it was because of the decency that somehow showed through the silver and black – like this example following the devastating injury to Darryl Stingley caused by a hit by one of Madden’s own players.

After the game, Madden went directly to the hospital. It was Madden's first instinct to go to Stingley.

* * *

But even at the hospital something was dissonant, out of sync. Expecting to find himself among concerned New England officials, Madden found himself alone. No one from the Patriots was there. Not the owner. Not the coach. No one.
Grabbing a phone, Madden called the Oakland airport. Immediately, he was patched through to the New England charter, taxiing out to take off. A more-than-animated discussion followed. The plane returned to the gate. The business manager was put off.

In the hospital, Stingley was conscious, as doctors worked to fit the halo. Having donned surgeon's garb, Madden appeared beside him, leaning close. "Everything's going to be all right," he whispered. If only it had been true.

* * *

In the days and weeks that followed, Madden visited Stingley, if not daily, then as often as he could. During one visit, Madden discovered a malfunction in Stingley's ventilator. In summoning a nurse to fix the problem, Madden might have saved Stingley's life.

Madden and Stingley remained friends until the latter’s death – a friendship forged from Madden’s compassion for his fellow man.

After giving up the role of coach, Madden became a beloved broadcaster. And today he has announced the end of an era.

John Madden, the most recognized analyst in television sports, is calling it quits.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, Madden, who was NBC's No. 1 NFL analyst on the Peacock's Sunday night package, said: "It's time. I'm 73 years old...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. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have...It's still fun and that's what makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision."

This is a loss for the NFL, and for broadcasting. I donÂ’t know of anyone who could replace Madden in terms of expertise, not to mention his frenetic style. Sundays just wonÂ’t be the same this fall.

Farewell, John – good health and long life to you. And thank you for so many memories, and for the show of real manhood that so struck me when I was a kid that it has remained the first thing to come to my mind whenever I hear your name.

Posted by: Greg at 09:54 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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