Legendary NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden dies: 'No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to'

Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: A tribute to former Raiders head coach, Pro Football Hall of Fame member and broadcaster John Madden is displayed on a marquee and on the side of Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, after news of his death at the age of 85 on December 28, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Madden coached the Oakland Raiders for 10 seasons and won the team's first championship with a win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI in 1977. Owner and managing general partner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch inside the stadium before the organization turned off all the exterior lights, except for the memorial message, in honor of Madden. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85. The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.

Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.