New York Jets Assistant Coach Greg Knapp Dies Following Bike Accident
New York Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp died at the age of 58, following his bike accident over the weekend. USA Today reported that Knapp's death was confirmed by his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, on Thursday morning, through a statement.
"Today, 11:32 a.m. PST, Greg Knapp (also known as "Knapper") was called back home to heaven where he will be reunited with his dad," Sperback noted. Knapp's agent further noted that the "first and lasting" memory of the people of Knapp is his "infectious personality," contending that the assistant coach had a gift to make everyone feel special, NFL reported.
Knapp's death stemmed out when he engaged in a bike accident over the weekend. On Saturday, Sperbeck noted that the assistant coach was riding his bike in Northern California when a motorist swerved into the bike lane, NBC News reported. New York Post noted that Knapp was in critical condition in a California hospital until he passed away.
Several NFL Teams, Personalities Offered Sympathies on the Passing of New York Jets Assistant Coach
Knapp's family has not yet issued an official statement regarding the death of the New York jets assistant coach. However, several NFL teams, coaches, and even team owners expressed their sympathies following his tragic death.
First-year Jets coach, Robert Saleh, offered his condolences to the Knapps family, as he described Knapp's death as unexpected.
"The loss of a loved one is always a challenge but it is harder when it is completely unexpected... Charlotte, Jordan, Natalie, and Camille please accept our most sincere condolences," Saleh said. Coach Saleh also recalled that Knapp lived a "loving way," which helped him connect with people. "In his short time here, I believe the people in this organization [New York Jets] had a chance to feel that connection," Saleh added.
The Denver Broncos, where Knapp served as a quarterback coach in 2013-2016 also offered their sympathies on the assistant coach's passing, saying that Knapp was an integral part of their two Superbowl appearances as well as their championship in 2015.
Meanwhile Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, also issued a statement describing Knapp as a "tremendous coach" and a person with love, respect, and admiration for his co-workers.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Coach Knapp's family during this extremely difficult time," the Las Vegas Raiders said.
Greg Knapp's Career as a Coach
During his career as a coach, Greg Knapp coached quarterbacks and reached Pro Bowl 11 times. Under his guidance in 2006, NFL player Michael Vick became the first quarterback to have 1,000-plus rushing yards in a single season.
Knapp also served as an offensive coordinator for the Falcons, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.
This upcoming season, Gregg Knapp was supposed to spend his first year with New York Jets. He was hired by the team with Coach Saleh in January amid a staff shakeup with hopes of ending the franchise's five consecutive losses.
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Written By: Joshua Summers
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