Celebrity Living: NFL Legend John Madden Sells His Opulent New York City Apartment

Legendary NFL coach and commentator John Madden has listed his prime West 72nd Street New York City apartment for $4.9 million. Now settled in San Francisco post-retirement, the esteemed pro football figure has decided to cut ties with his beautiful NYC home. According to zillow.com, the decision to make the sale may be in part to his well-known fear of flying. Now on the west coast, Madden doesn’t seem likely to kick that fear enough to be keeping his east coast home.

The iconic former Oakland Raiders coach, sports commentator, and face behind the hugely successful series of Madden NFL video games is not selling due to financial precaution or loss, like many sports celebrities have recently been reported as doing. The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom beauty has been under Madden’s ownership since 1985 when he reportedly purchased it from comedienne Gilda Radner for roughly $625,000; so, actually, Madden will be making quite a profit.

The elegant pre-war apartment is located in Manhattan’s historic Dakota building, which has been the home to many celebrities, including Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, and Connie Chung. The classic building is perhaps most well known, however, as being the location where The Beatles’ John Lennon was fatally shot in 1980. Despite that grim detail, the apartment is still magnificently gorgeous with high ceilings that are still adorned by the original molding, two fireplaces, original window shutters, intricate paneling, built-in cabinetry, and oversized rooms and windows.

A luxurious reception room and living room boast incredible detail that is reminiscent of Old World artistry while the large, bright, windowed eat-in kitchen possesses abundant storage space. There is a separate laundry area and ample storage space throughout – namely, several walk-in closets. Amenities of the building include a full-time doorman, concierge, elevator operator, and a separate entrance from the apartment directly into the gorgeous outdoor courtyard.

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