John Madden

I remember him best for a commercial he did for, of all things, a foot fungus medicine: "Boom! Tough Actin' Tinactin!"

That's such a silly thing to remember a man for, much less a man with as varied and influential a career as John Madden. And yet, that dang tagline pops into my head at least once a day. 

Madden, of course, was one of the best coaches in the NFL in the 1970's, leading the Raiders to seven division titles and a Super Bowl ring, all while never once posting a losing season. When he retired abruptly and moved to the television broadcast booth in 1979, it was a safe bet that it was a temporary hiatus, a breather before he returned to the sideline. 

He remained on TV for 30 years, and in my opinion he was the best to ever do it. 

As a broadcaster he never ceased to sound like he enjoyed the game, and he made sure you enjoyed it too. 

Then, a third career, as the face and name of the most influential, long lasting video game franchise out there. Madden has become more than a game, or a name, it is a brand. 

The great John Madden died today at 85. 

RIP sir. It is deserved.