New York Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp dies of injuries when car crashes while cycling

New York Jets assistant Greg Knapp, a well-traveled NFL coach who worked with the famous Steve Young Pro Football Hall and soon-to-start Peyton Manning during his 25-year career, died of injuries on Thursday when he was hit by a car while cycling last Saturday in San Ramon, California. He was 58 years old.

The handy Knapp, known for his expertise in skill players, was just days away from flying to New Jersey to begin his first season as a Jets pass specialist under new coach Robert Saleh. Jets newcomers reported to the training camp on Tuesday.

“Greg had such inner peace about him that people always seemed to appeal to him,” Saleh told the newspaper statement posted on Twitter. “He lived a life-loving way that helped him in a unique way to connect with people from all walks of life.

“During his short time here, I believe the people of this organization had the opportunity to experience that connection. Greg, thank you for everything you have shared with us, you will be missed as a brother.”

Hired in January, Knapp created “genuine connections with all coaches, players, and staff,” said Saleh, who described him as “fun in nature, friendly, and (a) rich in information.”

An avid cyclist Knapp hit one motorist at about 2:49 p.m., near his home in Danville, San Ramon police said. According to police, the driver of the vehicle, whose name is being kept secret, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

“Those of us who were so blessed to know him know that he would have liked this moment to be taught as well,” the family said in a statement. “So this is it …” Live every day as if it were your last, and love those around you as if it can’t last! “

The family said in a statement that Knapp died at 14.32 (ET) five days after the car struck while riding a bicycle and never regained consciousness.

A mother, wife, three daughters and his brother surrounded him at his death.

“Greg’s catchy personality is the first and lasting memory of most people about him,” the family said. The phrase “He never met a stranger” tells of Knapper’s will to live, he had the unique gift of making everyone feel special, and for Knapper they were all.

“Even though his family, friends and players still had so much to learn from him and desperately hoped they would have more time with him, God called out and wanted to go through the Game Plan directly with him. It’s definitely a masterpiece, just like Greg!”

Knapp began his NFL coaching career in 1997 as a low-level attacking assistant for the San Francisco 49ers. He made a tight bond with Young, and the two stayed close. Knapp also coached the Atlanta Falcons (two matches), Oakland Raiders (two matches), Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos as either a quarterback or attack coordinator.

“He was a huge football coach who reached the highest levels of our game, but most importantly, he was a great person with love, admiration and respect for those who were blessed to work with him,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Rest in peace, Greg Knapp.”

“He was a huge football coach who reached the highest levels of our game, but most importantly, he was a great person with love, admiration and respect for those who were blessed to work with him.” – Arthur Blank

Rest in peace, Greg Knapp. pic.twitter.com/aEJJiTliQb

Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 22, 2021

Woods Johnson, chairman of the Jets, also issued a statement on Knapp’s death.

“Being short with us, Greg had an immediate impact on those who had the pleasure of spending the least amount of time with him,” the statement says. “His legacy is not just working with some of the brightest defenders the league has ever seen, but he has had a lastingly positive impact on countless others around the world.”

In addition to Manning and Young, Knapp helped tutor defenders Michael Vick, Carson Palmer and Matt Ryan. The highlight of his career was the 2015 season, when he was a Super Bowl-winning staff member with the Broncos in Manning’s final season.

The Jets hired Knapp to lead their three young defenders. His job, he explained last month in the minicamp, was to be the “voice in the quarterback room,” which includes highly advertised rookie Zach Wilson.

Knapp called it an exciting challenge to coach three inexperienced defenders. He said he received it from his parents, who are both teachers.

“It refreshes me,” Knapp said.

Knapp was appreciated throughout the league. Young, an informal advisor to Wilson and his family during the drafting process, told ESPN in a recent interview that Knapp’s presence on the Jets staff was a “huge plus” for Wilson.

“I told his father, Mike Wilson: If I had a son and needed him to be coached and cared for in a way that would help him play better football, I would like Greg to be a part of it,” Young said.

Knapp, born in Long Beach, California, played college ball in the state of Sacramento. He never appeared in an NFL game, but spent time on the Raiders, 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs lists.

The Associated Press participated in this report.