Knapp had two stints with the Silver and Black
Former Raiders’ two-time offensive coordinator Greg Knapp died on Thursday after complications from a cycling accident on Saturday, his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, announced. Knapp was 58.
“Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven where he will be reunited with his Dad,” Sperbeck said, according to Denver 9 News reporter Mike Klis, who tweeted out the news.
“On Sat. July 17th 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, wife, 3 daughters and brother.”
Sperbeck then, according to Klis, cited some of the notable players who had been coached by Knapp: “Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Rick Mirer, Matt Schaub, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and most recently Zach Wilson. Those of us blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one.”
Jeff Sperbeck, Greg Knapp’s agent, has just announced coach Knapp has pass away from injuries suffered while riding his bicycle Saturday in Calif. and was struck by a vehicle.
“Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven.” (More). #9sports— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 22, 2021
Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky also tweeted his condolences.
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
Knapp was bicycling near his home in San Ramon, California, when he was hit by a car. He was hospitalized in critical condition.
Hired by New York Jets in January as their pass game specialist, Knapp was expected to help bring along No. 2 overall draft pick, quarterback Zach Wilson, in the upcoming season.
The Jets confirmed the tragic news on Thursday afternoon by sharing a statement from his family, and the Raiders followed up with their own message of remorse to Knapp.
A statement from the Knapp family.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 22, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/EdU6TGOncF
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 22, 2021
Knapp was the Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 200-7-08 and again in 2012. Formerly a quarterback at Sacramento State, Knapp was with the Raiders as a player in the offseason from 1987-90.
He was entering his 25th season as an NFL coach. In addition to the Raiders and Jets, Knapp coached for the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.
Knapp was known as one of the better quarterback coaches in the NFL. Our deepest condolences go out to Knapp’s family, friends, colleagues and players. RIP.
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