I found this news very interesting.  NBC's John Madden has suddenly decided that he is retiring from broadcasting.  No farewell tour, no final season hype, just "thanks for the memories kids, I'll return the Maddencruiser by Tuesday and leave the keys under your door."

I don't think anyone, including NBC, saw this one coming.

If you are constructing a conspiracy theory around this, note that Monday, esteemed broadcaster Harry Kalas, the voice of NFL films, passed away after being found unconscious in the press box.  Madden, who is the same age as Kalas, probably saw some kind of cosmic handwriting on the wall and decided he wanted things to end differently.  Madden retired as a coach at 43, so he does know how to get out of town prior to the arrival of the posse.

Personally, I think all the joy left the game for him when he went to Green Bay and Brett Favre wasn't there to greet him .

In the next five or so years, a plethora of broadcasting legends will be leaving their microphones including Dick Enberg, Mike Patrick, Brent Musberger, Ron Franklin  and Al Michaels. It will be a sad day when these men who have brought us some of sports greatest moments leave us for the likes of Kenny Albert and Joe Buck.

I can't believe that the wonks at NBC forced him out and that this was Madden's own decision.  In any case, Cris Collisworth will most likely take over.