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Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp dies after tragic bicycle accident

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jul 22, 2021 6:36 PM ET

The NFL community was shocked to learn earlier this week that New York Jets assistant coach and passing game specialist Greg Knapp was reportedly fighting for his life after he was struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle near his home in Danville, Calif., over the weekend.

Unfortunately, Mike Klis of Denver's 9News tweeted Thursday that Jeff Sperbeck, Knapp's agent, has confirmed the coach has died from his injuries.

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

Sperbeck on Knapp:
“where he will be reunited with his Dad.
“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. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 22, 2021

Sperbeck on coach Knapp III: “Greg spent 33 years coaching football, the first 9 at Sacramento State (where he also played QB) and the next 24 years in the NFL as an Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach. He coached hundreds of players, including: (more) #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 22, 2021

Sperbeck on coach Knapp IV: “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.” (More) #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 22, 2021

According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the tragic and fatal accident remains under police investigation. Knapp was 58 years old and only joined the Jets this past offseason after he was hired by new head coach Robert Saleh.

Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor also released a statement shared by Williams:

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Greg Knapp. Greg was not only a great former Hornet player and coach, but one of the kindest and most generous people that I’ve ever known. His success and humility have been an inspiration to all of us here at Sacramento State. We will continue to carry on his legacy within our football program and wish his family and friends peace and comfort through this difficult loss."

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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