And then, boom! Former NFL coach and legendary commentator, John Madden, has listed his New York City apartment for sale for $4.9 million, reportedly because he doesn’t get to NY as much as he used to since retiring from the broadcast booth in 2009.

Source: Bumpshack

Madden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969-1978 and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1977. After he retired from coaching, he entered the broadcast booth as a color commentator and managed to work for all four major TV networks, ending his career on NBC’s Sunday Night Football,. Madden has also collaborated on the wildly successful Madden NFL series of football video games.

Madden, who settled in San Francisco after retiring from NFL television broadcasting in 2009, has a well-documented fear of flying which may be one of the reasons he and his family do not make it out to NYC frequently enough to warrant keeping the apartment.

The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment is located in the Dakota building which has been home to many celebrities including Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland and Connie Chung. It is also where Beatle John Lennon was fatally shot outside the gate to the building in 1980. According to the listing, Madden’s residence “boasts soaring ceilings adorned with original moldings, two magnificent fireplaces, intricate paneling and built-in cabinetry and oversized rooms and windows.”

Unlike many in the wide circle of sports celebrities facing foreclosure, Madden will not be selling at a loss. In fact, he’ll be selling for quite a profit. That’s because Madden has owned the home since 1985 when he reportedly he bought it from comedian Gilda Radner for about $625,000. Radner purchased it in 1979 for only $150,000.

(Photos: Prudential Douglas Elliman, NYC)