The outpouring of grief and love for longtime NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp since news broke of his tragic passing on Thursday has been universal.
Greg Knapp tragically passed away Thursday surrounded by his family
Knapp, according to his family, was “struck by a car while riding his bicycle, and was rendered unconscious immediately” last Saturday. He never regained consciousness and died Thursday morning surrounded by his wife, three daughters, mother, and brother.
His family said the following in a statement:
“Those of us who were so blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one. So this is it…’Live every day as if it’s your last, and love those around you like it won’t last!’
“Greg’s infectious personality is most people’s first and lasting memory of him. The phrase ‘He never met a stranger’ encapsulates Knapper’s zest for life. He had a unique gift to make everyone feel special, and to Knapper, they all were.
“While his family, friends, and players still had so much to learn from him and desperately wished they had more time with him, God called an audible and wanted to go over the game plan directly with him. It will certainly be a masterpiece, just like Greg!”
Knapp was set to begin his first season as the New York Jets’ pass-game specialist, the latest, and tragically final, stop in a long and successful career. He spent 24 years as an assistant, working with a long line of NFL greats at the quarterback position, including Steve Young, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, and Matt Ryan.
The passing of Greg Knapp has resulted in an outpouring of support from the NFL community
Here is just a small sample of the overwhelming show of support and affection on social media for Knapp.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 22, 2021
I am heartbroken of the passing of my beloved Coach Greg Knapp. I had the privilege of being mentored by him for 3 yrs w/the Falcons. Words can’t describe the profound impact he had on my life. I extend my condolences & prayers to his family during this time. Love you Coach 💔. pic.twitter.com/nBfJIREZF9
— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) July 23, 2021
“He was a tremendous football coach who achieved at the highest levels of our game, but more importantly he was a wonderful person who had the love, admiration and respect of those who were blessed to work with him.” – Arthur Blank
Rest In Peace, Greg Knapp. pic.twitter.com/aEJJiTliQb
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 22, 2021
The 49ers organization offers its heartfelt sympathy to Greg Knapp’s family during this time. pic.twitter.com/8IfhNMT5Nf
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 23, 2021
Greg Knapp was everything that was amazing about asst coaches in the NFL—investment. He invested is me and so many others with a joy that was so rare. Devastating news for his family. My prayers of comfort are with his family.🙏🙏🙏
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) July 22, 2021
We’re heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of former Broncos QB Coach Greg Knapp.
We will all remember “Knapper” for his kindness, humor and fun-loving approach to life.
We’re sending our deepest condolences to the entire Knapp family. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ou5Z2QihzS
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 22, 2021
Sorry to hear about Greg Knapp’s passing. He developed some of the games great quarterbacks — a tribute to him as a coach. My thoughts and prayers to his mother, wife and daughters. Gone way too soon. The league has lost a good man.
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) July 23, 2021
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