Larry Fitzgerald ‘heartbroken’ after death of former WR coach Darryl Drake

The league was saddened by the news of the death of Pittsburgh Steelers receivers coach Darryl Drake on Sunday. Condolences were offered from all over the NFL.

It also hit Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald hard. Drake was his position coach for five seasons, from 2013-2017.

Sunday afternoon, Fitz shared a thread on social media to honor Drake, whom he describes as a great mentor and friend.

View this post on Instagram

I’m heartbroken for anyone who had the privilege to know Darryl. As a man, a coach, a husband, and a father, he was as good as they come. I can’t put into words the impact that Darryl had one me…he was my position coach for 5 years, and he’s been one of the greatest mentors and friends in my life since we met. We’ll get through this difficult time by focusing on all of the love that Darryl had for others and that we all had for him — it’s what he would want. Let faith guide us all through this incredibly difficult moment…sending prayers to all of the extended Drake family, especially to his incredible wife Sheila and their beautiful children.

A post shared by Larry Fitzgerald (@larryfitzgerald) on Aug 11, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT

Fitzgerald did not practice Sunday afternoon, although it might have already been a scheduled day off for him.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.