New York Jets passing-game specialist Greg Knapp, a longtime NFL assistant coach, has died as a result of injuries sustained after he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle this past weekend. The Knapp family released a statement through the Jets’ Twitter account.
“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. Greg never regained consciousness. He was surrounded by his mom, his wife, 3 daughters, and his brother.
“Greg spent 33 years coaching football, the first 9 at Sacramento State (where he also played QB) and the next 24 years in the NFL as an Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach. He coached hundreds of players, including: Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Rick Mirer, Matt Schaub, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and most recently Zach Wilson.
“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!
“Please visit http://caringbridge.org post photos, memories or notes to his family and information for Celebration of Life service.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh both released statements on the death of Knapp.
Knapp, 58, had been in the hospital in critical condition since the weekend, when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in San Ramon, Calif, roughly 27 miles east of Oakland.
A single motorist reportedly struck Knapp at approximately 2:49 p.m. last Saturday, according to a police report. The preliminary investigation revealed that drugs and/or alcohol were not a factor, and the vehicle’s driver — whose name is being withheld — has reportedly cooperated with police in their investigation.
In a 23-year NFL career, Knapp coached with seven different franchises. He came to the Jets from the Atlanta Falcons, where he’d spent the past three seasons. Knapp has been an offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, Falcons, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.
Football world mourns Knapp
Knapp interacted with many teams, players, and reporters over his long football career. Many tweeted about him on Thursday afternoon, sharing memories and sending condolences to his family.
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