John Madden retires from TV, not games
John Madden has officially retired from TV, but not from the Madden NFL Football videogames.
John Madden is one of the most influential characters in the history of the sport of American football. Having been inducted into the NFL Football Hall of Fame, coached the game himself and been a longtime television commenter, his touch has been felt by not only fans of the sport but even non-fans. Who know his celebrity thanks in no small part to the phenomenon that is EA Sport’s Madden NFL Football franchise; In which John Madden has provided not only his name but also worked with EA Sports in development on the titles for more than two decades.
However his retirement from broadcasting in order to focus his time on his family (he is 78 years old) will not effect his continued involvement in the videogame franchise that he helped propel into the behemoth it is today. Nor will it effect the name of the games, which will remain “Madden NFL Football” and continue to be named in his honor long after his retirement (or so we assume).
Peter Moore, President of EA Sports, issued this statement on John Madden’s retirement:
“John is a true sports icon who has made an indelible impact on the sport of football which will be felt forever. His prolific coaching and broadcasting careers, as well as his distinct role in shaping the EA SPORTS football experience have redefined how multiple generations have come to know and love the sport with unrivaled passion. We’re excited to see his legacy live on in the 21st year of Madden NFL football, and well beyond. It’s been a privilege for EA SPORTS to have had the strong relationship we’ve had with John for more than two decades and one that will continue into the future.”
The next entry in the sports videogame series, Madden NFL 10, has a release date of August 14 this year.
Via Kotaku
I’ll miss Madden’s blustery voice
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