I suppose we shouldn't be shocked, but word came down this morning that legendary broadcaster and pitchman John Madden will hang up his microphone.

The news came down on Dan Patrick's radio show on FOX Sports Radio, and Patrick appeared to be shaken a bit by the news. Madden is known as a pitchman and, of course, for the iconic video game series that sports his name.

For me, Madden's signature gutteral utterances were the true signal that the new NFL season had arrived. I'm a bit sullen by the news.

I suppose it had to happen at some point. Perhaps the passing of legendary Philadelphia broadcaster Harry Kalas (at 73, the was the last piece of the puzzle to push Madden to his decision. I had always assumed that I'd hear his trademark "Boom!" forever and that we'd learn of his passing en route to another big Sunday night matchup.

Madden joins Brett Favre in retirement, a player with whom he is forever linked, if only through the work of FOX's Frank Caliendo.

Chris Collinsworth jumps into the booth with Al Michaels. I enjoy Collinsworth's style, pulling no punches while breaking down the technical aspects of the game.

My thanks to Mr. Madden for his contributions to the NFL and our American culture. His voice will forever be a part of our NFL experience.

For all of the fans of the early renderings of the Madden game ---

"Where'd that truck come from?"