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Long time NFL coach Greg Knapp has passed away aged 58


Greg Knapp, who coached on the 49ers’ and Raiders’ staffs in his 26-year career, has died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s bike crash in San Ramon.

Longtime NFL coach Greg Knapp has passed away from injuries sustained in Saturday’s bike crash, when a car struck him near his Danville home. He was 58.

Knapp, according to sources, sustained serious brain trauma as well as other injuries. He’d been in Walnut Creek’s John Muir Health Medical Center since the incident, and his death at 11:32 a.m. was confirmed by a hospital spokesman.

“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,” read part of a statement from Knapp’s family. “So this is it: ‘Live every day as if it’s your last, and love those around you like it won’t last!’ ”

Knapp never regained consciousness after Saturday’s accident along Dougherty Road, located near the San Ramon and Danville border, about 30 minutes east of Oakland. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and three daughters, Jordan, Natalie and Camille.

Danville police said they do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be a factor but said Friday that the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office will review the case after the investigation. They said the driver who hit Knapp is a 22-year-old Danville man. He has not been identified.

“We all miss Knapper and I believe he has touched us deeply,” said Jim Mora, a longtime friend and coaching colleague. “Greg loved to laugh, tease, live large and loud, and love on his family and friends. He was a sincere man who we all loved, trusted and respected.”

Mora visited Knapp in the hospital this week and relayed updates to their close friends. Mora and Knapp coached together on the 49ers from 1997-03 under Steve Mariucci and then Dennis Erickson. Knapp served as offensive coordinator when Mora coached the Atlanta Falcons (2004-06) and Seattle Seahawks (2009).

Said goodbye to my friend and coach Greg Knapp today after tragic bicycle accident. He was one of a kind. He had a big impact on me. Much love to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/xIS8JjE7Ek

— Steve Young (@SteveYoungQB) July 23, 2021

 

A Seal Beach native and former Sacramento State quarterback, Knapp was a NFL assistant for 26 years, starting with the 49ers in 1995. He was hired this year as the New York Jets’ passing game specialist under new coach Robert Saleh and spent this offseason tutoring rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.

“Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards,” Saleh said in a statement through the Jets. “He lived life in a loving way that helped him connect with people from all walks of life in a unique way.”

Bears TE coach and best friend of Greg Knapp confirms the news we didn’t want to hear. pic.twitter.com/gPFPFRRRvz

— FOX 5 Sports (@FOX5Sports) July 22, 2021

 

Knapp coached with the 49ers (1995-2003) and the Raiders (2007-08, 2012) as part of a 26-year career in which he specialized in quarterbacks. He was Peyton Manning’s quarterback coach when the 2015 Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium — and Knapp wasn’t shy in letting friends try on his Super Bowl ring at parties.

“Greg’s infectious personality is most people’s first and lasting memory of him,” read his family’s statement. “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!”

He also coached with the Falcons (2004-06, 2018-20), the Seahawks (2009), the Houston Texans (2010-11), the Broncos (2013-16) and the Jets (2021). From 2001-09, he served as an offensive coordinator with the 49ers, Falcons, Raiders, and Seahawks, and he returned in that capacity on the 2012 Raiders.

So sad to see coach Greg Knapp go at such a young age. What a tragic accident to an awesome man. He will be long remembered as a great person, incredible coach, wonderful father, and true friend. Knapper was so instrumental in my growth as a QB with the ⁦@49ers⁩ God Bless. pic.twitter.com/vxy2k8tgH7

— Jeff Garcia Football (@JeffGarciaJGFA) July 23, 2021

 

When Knapp was out of the NFL in 2017, he continued to coach, doing so on the San Ramon Valley High junior varsity softball team that included his step-daughter Natalie.

He began his coaching career at Sacrament State from 1986-94, after playing there as a record-setting quarterback. He’d initially gone from Huntington Beach High to UC Santa Barbara before transferring and sparking the Hornets’ program.

Devastated to hear of the tragic passing of former Hornet quarterback and coach Greg Knapp. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. https://t.co/lBPxqsVa4q pic.twitter.com/e4AquKVk5j

— Sac State Football (@SacHornetsFB) July 22, 2021

 

“My career’s gone fast. I’ve been very fortunate,” Knapp told the Sacramento Bee in February 2016. “I’ve survived the ups and downs of this profession, and in each move, I’ve gained more. … Heck of a ride.”

During his time as a Sacramento State assistant, he made it to several NFL training camps as a player or coaching intern, including stops with Kansas City (1986), the L.A. Raiders (1987-90) and the 49ers (1992-94),

According to a statement from San Ramon police Lt. Tami Williams, officers responded to the area of Dougherty and North Monarch roads around 2:50 p.m. Saturday. The driver swerved into the bike lane when Knapp was struck, the coach’s agent, Jeff Sperbeck, told NBCNews.com.

Sadly, Mr. Knapp succumbed to the injuries he sustained in Saturday's collision. The updated Press Release is included below. Our sincere condolences are with Mr. Knapp's family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/z22DQcJ0qI

— San Ramon Police (@SanRamonPolice) July 22, 2021

Former colleagues throughout the NFL mourned Knapp’s death, while many tried to fondly recall his bellowing laugh, insightful instruction and obvious love for family and friends.

He not only coached players on his NFL teams, he mentored coaches and was a fixture running quarterback drills at the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“Knapper was pure class and a joy to be around every day,” former 49ers quarterback Rick Mirer tweeted. “I cherish my seasons with him and feel for his family. This is devastating news.”

As the Jets noted on his bio, Knapp coached a handful of Pro Bowl quarterbacks: Manning (2013-14), Steve Young (1998), Jeff Garcia (2000-02) and Michael Vick (2004-05).

Knapp was surrounded by his mother, wife, daughters and brother as he passed away Thursday. Memorial services are pending and the family asks that friends post photos, memories and notes at www.caringbridge.org.

The NFL Alumni – Northern California Chapter was saddened to learn that Greg Knapp former 49ers & Raiders Assistant Coach has passed away today, we offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.#nflalumninorcal #Raiders #49ers pic.twitter.com/79CHn7QDGy

— NFL Alumni Nor Cal (@NFLAlumniNoCa) July 22, 2021

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TRADE! Bears have traded Anthony Miller WR to the Texans, with an exchange of late round picks.

Guessing they gave us a 6th Rounder and we gave them a 7th Rounder.

A really frustrating player. Never learnt to run Routes well and dropped too many passes.

As one poster put it:- All our other WRs had to watch balls sail 6 feet over their heads (with out crappy QBs). Miller didn't have that problem, as he was running the wrong way.

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1 hour ago, RiG said:

Xavien Howard not happy at Miami and has requested a trade.

 

I read his full statement, basically iv played well I want more money even tho I signed an extension two seasons ago! He also claims he wasn't comfortable with the deal he signed. Surely its his agent he should be telling to get his finger out. 

It's hard to sympathise when he signed the new contract, if he had been pish would he have handed the money back or asked to renegotiate a lower contract? 

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I read his full statement, basically iv played well I want more money even tho I signed an extension two seasons ago! He also claims he wasn't comfortable with the deal he signed. Surely its his agent he should be telling to get his finger out. 
It's hard to sympathise when he signed the new contract, if he had been pish would he have handed the money back or asked to renegotiate a lower contract? 
He has changed his agent since he signed the contract extension. It was reported in October that he wasn't happy with his contract, but was denied by the Dolphins at the time.

He has only played two full seasons without missing games through injury, 2017 and 2020. In the 1st year of his contract extension he only played 5 games. He has very little guaranteed money after this year, so I guess coming of a 10 interception season, this is his best chance of getting more guaranteed money. I think the Dolphins feel they took a gamble on an injury prone player he should show he can stay healthy for more than one season at a time.

He is still the 6th best paid CB in the NFL I think.
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