Jets NFL coach Greg Knapp has tragically died at the age of 58 after a bicycling accident.
Knapp's passing was confirmed on Thursday, July 22, by Sacramento State where he was a quarterback for four years before becoming a member of the coaching staff for nine years, Fox News reports.
"We are heartbroken over the loss of Greg Knapp," the Hornets head coach Troy Taylor said in a statement.
"Greg was not only a great former Hornet player and coach, but one of the kindest and most generous people that I've ever known. His success and humility have been an inspiration to all of us here at Sacramento State.
"We will continue to carry on his legacy within our football program and wish his family and friends peace and comfort through this difficult loss."
Watch a full news report about Knapp's passing below:The Knapp family have also released a statement through the Jets.
They revealed that the coach was struck by a driver as he rode his bicycle near his home in Danville on July 17.
The statement read: "Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad.
"On Saturday, July 17th, 2021, Greg was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, and was rendered unconscious immediately," the statement continued. Greg never regained consciousness. He was surrounded by his mom, his wife, his 3 daughters, and his brother."
The statement continued that the coach "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!"
At the time, it was reported by Fox News that the driver of the vehicle swerved into the bike lane and struck the father-of-three, rendering him unconscious. He was never revived.
Police said the driver is cooperating with them and said that he administered first aid to Knapp at the scene.
Meanwhile, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said in a statement: "The loss of a loved one is always a challenge but is harder when it is completely unexpected.
"Charlotte, Jordan, Natalie, and Camille please accept our most sincere condolences. 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. Greg, thank you for all that you have shared with us, you will be missed brother."
Knapp's glowing football career began at Sacramento State, and during the 10 years he spent there, he received various invitations to NFL training camps.
The coach was hired by the Jets as the passing-games specialist back in January 2021, Fox News reports.
However, he had previously spent 23 years working as the offensive coordinator for the San Fransisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Not only this, but he was also the Niners, Houston Texans, and the Denver Broncos - a role in which he led Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl title.
Needless to say, with such an illustrious career, the tributes to Knapp have been extensive, and the Falcons, Broncos, and Raiders paid tribute to the coach online.
Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons wrote: "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."
The Las Vegas Raiders added: "The Raiders are saddened and stunned to hear of the passing of Greg Knapp, who served as offensive coordinator over two stints with the Silver and Black. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Coach Knapp’s family during this extremely difficult time."
The Denver Broncos wrote: "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."
Kapp is survived by his wife Charlotte and three daughters Jordan, Natalie, and Camille.
