BOOM!

I bet somewhere right now, Frank Caliendo and Brett Favre are weeping.

Longtime coach, broadcaster, and most importantly (in my opinion) video game icon John Madden is hanging up his microphone. It was quite a run for the 73-year-old Hall of Fame, bus-riding, Favre-loving master of the obvious. He had been in the booth announcing NFL games for various networks since 1979.

Say what you will about the guy, but there is no question he has been a gigantic (no pun intended) part of the NFL's image for... well.... at least my entire 27 years on this planet. He coached the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory over... some team from Minnesota that you may have heard of. I believe this is why I've been genetically predisposed to be eternally annoyed by the guy, but I will say he was an excellent coach. He still holds the best winning percentage of any coach in NFL history. Even better than Childress! Amazing!

Of course, my generation reveres John not for his coaching or broadcasting but for the wonderful gift he and EA Sports give to us each August. Yes, the one place where the Vikings hold roughly a .996 winning percentage all-time on my consoles throughout the years - Madden NFL. The video game juggernaut has given football fans countless wasted hours, reasons to call in sick, and sore thumbs since 1993.

So sure, like me, you may be rejoicing the fact that you'll no longer have to hear John's "analysis" consisting of reiterating what you just saw with your own eyes. Just remember what he has brought to the game, both real and virtual. While I can't say I'm incredibly sad to see him leave the booth, I'll still give credit where credit is due. John Madden was, is, and will be an NFL icon.

This turducken is for you big guy.