John Madden, who for 30 years has called NFL games and was a Super Bowl-winning coach before that, has retired.

Madden, 73, whose distinctive voice and mannerisms have won him a legion of fans, spent the last three years working with NBC and called his last  Super Bowl this year when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated The Arizona Cardinals on February 1.

In a statement released by NBC Sports, the legendary broadcaster outlined the reasons behind his decision.

"It’s time. I’m 73 years old.  My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. 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.

"It’s been such a great ride… the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is.  I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have… that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League… my broadcasting partners Pat and Al… the production people and the fans …is still great… it’s still fun and that’s what it makes it hard and that’s why it took me a few months to make a decision.

I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people… but I know this is the right time."