NFL Broadcaster John Madden Retires

One of the most difficult retirement decisions you have to make is choosing when to stop working. Some people gradually cut back their hours, while others work one day and simply don’t go in the next. NFL broadcaster John Madden, a former head coach of the Oakland Raiders, announced his retirement today and released a statement elaborating on how he chose when to retire:

“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 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.”

Tell us, how do you know when the right time to retire is?