As soon as I write a post about one announcer passing away, another one retires. That's right, everyone's favorite sportscaster, John "Captain Obvious" Madden, is calling it quits. And after a successful career coaching, commentating, and eating copious amounts of turducken, he deserves some time away from the game. I can see it now, just him and the Madden Bus cruising down the open road, not a worry in his mind.
Yes, there were some Madden-haters out there, sick of his inquisitive remarks--called "maddenisms"--like "he would've scored a touchdown if he hadn't been tackled right there." It's even rumored that during one Monday Night Football broadcast, the full moon was shown, and Madden proceeded to comment, "can you believe a cow jumped over that thing?". But most loved Madden for his simple explanations and game breakdowns. Unlike many commentators, he never tried to make too much out of a simple play. Madden told it like it was. Plus, his distinct style led to some great standup comedy. And who can forget what will perhaps be his greatest legacy, the Madden Football video game franchise (which now allows you to turn Madden's commentary off). So I tip my cap to John Madden as he saunters off into the sunset, a lone tear glistening on his cheek. Or is that leftover gravy?
Along with his simple, down-to-earth style of commentating, Madden was also loved for the genuine entertainment he got from doing his job. Unlike some in the field, Madden loved coming to work every day and that was, without a doubt, apparent in his sportscasting. This love transferred over to the millions that would sit on their couches Sunday and Monday night, and I know because I am one of these millions. In the end, what really makes us as a society fall in love with an athlete, a coach, or sometimes even a sportscaster is, plain and simple, their love for the game.
The only thing I'm left wondering is if Madden's departure have anything to do with the recent death of Harry Kalas. Both 73, Madden and Kallas were born only three days apart. It's reasonable to believe that Madden saw the death of Kalas as a sort of wake-up call that he's not going to live forever. Madden probably wanted what, unfortunately, Kalas could not have: some time away from the game that he could spend peacefully with his family. One can only hope that he finds as much joy in retirement as he did in his career.
Well now I'm 0 for 2 on delivering sarcastic banter on why your team blows, 0 for 2 on scathing critiques of society as a whole, and 2 for 2 on sentimental looks into the careers of former sportscasters. Coming up next week, a discussion on exactly how racist Howard Cossell was.
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