In honor of John Madden's run as a sports analyst, which ended yesterday, Darren Rovell took a look at Madden's endorsement deals. It should come as no surprise that Madden is considered the top endorsing announcer by the Dave Brown Index. Rovell took a look at Madden's endorsements, which actually surprised me. We all know that Madden has a wildly popular video game franchise from Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), but we may forget the other deals with the likes of Ace Hardware, Outback, and Tinactin. Madden really knew how to capitalize on his name, as did his agent and promoting group. What does it say when a 35-year-old boy can remember the commercial where he first saw Madden?

In the future kids will remember Madden for his football game more than as an announcer and coach. In fact, I would wager that you could approach any 20-something on the street and ask them what Madden's first job was and they wouldn't guess football coach. The bottom line when it comes to Madden is that whatever he endorsed, it sold - from Bloomin' Onions to anti-fungal creams. Will his retirement have an impact on his deals? I doubt it, this guy is a natural born salesman. However, what happens as his popularity fades? Will his endorsement deals drop?

Will Madden's replacement, former Cincinnati Bengal Chris Collinsworth, be as successful? Quite honestly, he may not need to be; follow me here. Collinsworth should be able to grab some endorsement deals simply because of his status as a color commentator on the only Sunday night NFL package.

Perhaps Collinsworth won't be able to replace Madden in the endorsement realm, but is that really what is important? Perhaps NBC will do well to get Collinsworth into the booth to impart his vast football knowledge in his vernacular, rather than a series of "booms" and "bams." Don't expect Madden's decision to have a great deal of impact on NBC, as it is the game they sell the advertising for --- not the gentlemen in the booth.