John Madden announced his retirement from broadcasting today. His mark on NFL games was gigantic. How much? NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol claims Madden was "absolutely the best sports broadcaster who ever lived."

Whoa! Dick, come back to us. Madden was entertaining and informative. But "the best"? Not even close.

Off the top of my head, here's who I'd put ahead of Madden (in no particular order): Mel Allen, Vin Scully, Red Barber, Marv Albert, Curt Gowdy, Don Dunphy, Danny Gallivan, Foster Hewitt, Bob Costas, Al Michaels, Chris Schenkel, Jack Buck, Ernie Harwell, Bob Prince, Keith Jackson ... and I'm sure I've overlooked a half-dozen others.

Who would you put on the top of your list?