Former Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp died Thursday as a result of injuries suffered in a bicycle accident Saturday. He was 58.
Knapp’s agent Jeff Sperbeck confirmed the news to Mike Klis on Denver television’s 9NEWS. The Falcons confirmed the news.
“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, via a tweet from Klis.
Knapp was struck by a car in California and was in critical condition.
Knapp coached in the NFL for 23 seasons with seven teams, including two stints with the Falcons. He served as offensive coordinator from 2004-06 and quarterbacks coach from 2018-20. He helped the Falcons get to the NFC title game with Michael Vick at quarterback after the 2004 regular season.
A statement from Falcons owner Arthur Blank read: “On behalf of the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Coach Greg Knapp and wish them peace at this very difficult time. 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. He was always a positive presence with the Falcons and carried that optimistic spirit with him each day while working with our coaches, players and staff on and off the field. He will be deeply missed.”
Knapp most recently was the passing-game specialist for the Jets. He also worked for the Broncos, 49ers, Raiders, Seahawks and Texans. He was one of several Falcons assistants not retained with the hire of new coach Arthur Smith before Knapp joined the Jets.
The Broncos issued a statement that read, in part: “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.”
Clancy Barone, the Bears tight ends coach, called Knapp his best friend in the coaching profession. He posted on Twitter: “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.”
