In the same week NFL Films voice Harry Kalas died, John Madden announced he was retiring after three decades in the broadcast booth.

Madden retires as perhaps the greatest NFL booth personality of all-time. There have been plenty of great broadcasters over the years, but none brought the expertise, the charisma, and the heart Madden did. And with apologies to Howard Cosell, Madden seemed to be universally loved. His skills never diminished after three decades and four networks, and his pairing with Pat Summerall might be remembered as the greatest broadcast team of all-time — in any sport.

Moreover, Madden helped revolutionize the football medium. Besides defining what a color commentator should do, he was astute enough to attach his name to the popular Madden NFL video game franchise. Did he know it would become the phenomenon it is today, that the only pro-licensed NFL game today bears his name, that it has invaded the pop and NFL cultures so much that there is even a “Madden curse” for players who appear on the game’s cover? Maybe, maybe not, but his legacy will live on year after year thanks to EA Sports.

I wonder how many younger NFL fans even realize Madden won a Super Bowl with the Raiders. That’s simply just another measure of his success.

As I was writing this post, I glanced over to the old Super Nintendo setup near my computer. On top of a stack of video game books and instruction manuals is a guide to “Madden NFL ‘94.” Fifteen years later, even after retirement, the legend lives on.