submitted by Jason Collins

First De La Hoya, now Madden. It's been a somber week for sports fans. Two of the best at what they do have retired. After 30 years in the booth John Madden calls it a career.

Now he can retire to Louisiana and live out the rest of his days with Brett Favre. Brett can stand in his QB stance with Madden draped around his legs like the front of a Fabio novel cover.

"It's time. I'm 73 years old. My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall," Madden said. "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."

John Madden leaves a legacy of broadcasting skills that, well, left a little bit to be desired. Yes, John, the team that scores the most points will win the game. But one thing's for certain...He knew a ton about football and had great video games.

Madden's odd reach of annoyance reached even to the players that were featured on his year release of the Madden series of video games...Known as the "Madden Curse." Which could also be claimed by his wife who's had to sleep with the man for 50 years, bratwurst after bratwurst. The players on the covers would almost inevitably get injured the year they were featured (including Brian Urlacher...dammit!). Makes sense for a guy that's been putting me through agony for as long as I can remember. For Christ's sake, how many times can you show the same freakin' play on your telestrator??? Whomever introduced Madden to technology should have been drawn and quartered.

Let's now turn to a well known Madden controversy...His affair with Brett Favre. I don't believe I've seen this much man love since Brokeback Mountain. And even then, at least Heath Ledger spit on his hand first. WE GET IT JOHN! BRETT'S PRETTY GOOD! So are alot of other players around the league, but we don't see you giving them a reach around.

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty about John Madden to celebrate...He was at the forefront of making the NFL the national past time. He was a great coach, ambassador of the game, and pioneer of the Turducken. But I wish he would've stayed out of the box.

I will say that I appreciate his vision that it was time to go...Unlike Summerall, who is for all intents and purposes, a talking corpse. Make that a drunk, talking corpse. Kudos to John for packin' it in early.

In closing...Thank you John Madden for:

• Being a great coach
• Making a series of great video games
• Turducken
• Having gray hair and bushy red eyebrows
• Being less annoying than Summerall
• Launching Frank Caliendo's career
• Leaving with dignity

All the best to you sir! As much as you stomped on my last nerve, I appreciate what you did for the game. All the best in your retirement because it won't last long when your wife kicks you out for constantly rewinding and playing back Matlock reruns.