New York Jets coach Greg Knapp dead at 58 after suffering horror injuries when his bike was hit by car in California
THE New York Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp passed away at 58 from the injuries he sustained during a recent bicycle crash, according to one of his close friends and multiple reports.
American football coach Clarence "Clancy" Barone announced the tragic news in a Facebook post on Thursday – days after Knapp's agent said he was injured when his bike collided with a car in California.
Earlier this afternoon, Barone captioned a photo with Knapp: "The man with me in this photo: great friend for 40 years. College teammate. Best friend in the coaching profession.
"We always made sure our lockers were next to each other during our coaching journey… including 2 Super Bowls!!!
"Knapper… one of a kind in more ways than we can count. Rest In Peace."
However, an NBC News reporter, Doha Madani, tweeted that she had spoken to Knapp's wife at 5.05pm ET, who told her the family were "still dealing with the situation and that he remains critical."
"That's not to say his condition won't worsen or improve, I can't predict the future, but I spoke to her myself and that's all I can offer folks," Madani said – minutes before Knapp's agent told her he had in fact passed away.
Sacramento State, Knapp's alma matter, said they were "devastated to hear of the tragic passing of former Hornet quarterback and coach Greg Knapp" in a tweet and noted: "Our thoughts are with his friends and family."
Knapper… one of a kind in more ways than we can count.
Clarence 'Clancy' Barone
Knapp collided with a car on Saturday July 17, 2021.
Knapp sustained major, life-threatening injuries during the horrific accident, according to the San Ramon Police Department.
Following the accident, he was rushed to San Ramon Regional Medical Center.
The beloved Jets coach was then transferred to the trauma unit at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek ahead of Barone's emotional statement today.
LONGTIME COACH
The 58-year-old Knapp coached in the NFL for the past 26 years.
Before coming to the Jets, he spent three years as a quarterbacks coach with the Atlanta Falcons.
He was also quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos for four years, including during their 2015 Super Bowl victory.
Throughout his career, he also worked as an offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans.
Knapp began his coaching career at Sacramento State, where he previously played college ball himself.
He worked first as a running backs coach and then as the offensive coordinator.
Prior to his coaching days, Knapp was a star quarterback at Sacramento State where he finished with more than 3,800 passing years and 32 touchdown passes.