NFL coach Greg Knapp — who was struck by a car while riding his bike over the weekend — succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, his family announced. He was 58 years old.
As we previously reported, Knapp and a vehicle collided on a road in San Ramon, CA. at around 2:49 PM on Saturday … and coach was rushed to a nearby hospital with “major injuries.”
Knapp tragically did not survive the accident … with the Knapp family sharing the devastating news in a statement.
“Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad.”
Knapp was immediately rendered unconscious after the accident … and never regained consciousness.
“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,” the family continued. “So this is it … ‘Live every day as if it’s your last, and love those around you like it won’t last!'”
Knapp was beloved in the league — he coached superstars like Steve Young, Carson Palmer, Mike Vick, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan since joining the league in 1995 … and had been working with rookie QB Zach Wilson this offseason after joining Robert Saleh‘s staff as the passing game coordinator.
He won a Super Bowl as the QB coach with the Denver Broncos in 2016.
Clancy Barone — who coached alongside Knapp with the Atlanta Falcons and Broncos — shared an emotional tribute to his friend of 40 years … saying, “College teammate. Best friend in the coaching profession.”
“We always made sure our lockers were next to each other during out coaching journey … including 2 Super Bowls!!!”
“Knapper … one of a kind in more ways than we can count.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh added … “Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards.”
“He lived life in a loving way that helped him connect with people from all walks of life in a unique way. In his short time here, I believe the people in this organization had a chance to experience that connection.”
Knapp was surrounded by his mother, wife, brother and 3 daughters in the hospital.
RIP