John Madden, the long time analyst for virtually every network that has ever broadcast NFL games will take a one week break. Dick Ebersol notes that Cris Collinsworth will move from "Football Night in America" to the booth for next weeks Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Madden is not taking time off for any serious issue or contract dispute. He and Ebersol have discussed this as a way just to take a break. As most everyone knows, Madden is afraid of flying and travels mostly in the Madden Bus from game to game. For the 3 week period starting a week ago, the games would have been in Jacksonville, San Diego, and back to Tampa Bay, resulting in a grueling cross-country and back schedule. The break is to allow Madden to rest and see his grandkids.

I don't know, 20 weeks in a bus going from city to city. Oh, I guess that would be tough, no matter how much I'd enjoy it the first few weeks.