Hall of Fame American football coach turned broadcaster John Madden, whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a soundtrack to NFL games for three decades has died.

Madden’s death on Tuesday was unexpected and there was no immediate word of a cause. He was 85.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Madden’s passing in a statement, conveying condolences to his family and all who knew him. “Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” Goodell said. “We will be forever indebted to him.”