John Madden, the former coach whose booming voice and boisterous personality made him the most influential broadcaster in the history of televised football, has announced that he is retiring from the booth.

Madden issued a statement through NBC:
"It's time. I'm 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I'm home and, more importantly, when I'm not...

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... that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League... my broadcasting partners Pat and Al... the production people and the fans ...is still great... it's still fun and that's what it makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision.

I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people... but I know this is the right time."
Madden has been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his 10 years as coach of the Oakland Raiders, and in his second career as a color commentator he has won 16 Emmys for Outstanding Sports Analyst or Personality. He'll be remembered for his regular-guy approach to broadcasting, for his praise of the kinds of tough, blue-collar players who made his All-Madden Team, and for his signature phrases like "Boom!" and "Doink!" His final call was the Steelers' victory over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

NBC has not said who will replace Madden as Al Michaels' partner on Sunday Night Football.