It is a day filled with sadness for Jets fans everywhere, as longtime NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp has passed away at the age of 58. Knapp was set to take over as the Jets’ passing game coordinator, but he was unfortunately struck by a vehicle while riding his bike.
Knapp has been an assistant coach in the NFL for the past 25 years, and has worked with the likes of Peyton Manning, Michael Vick, Steve Young, Matt Ryan and now Zach Wilson. He started his career in San Francisco with the 49ers, where he spent time on the practice squad during his playing career. It was here that he worked with Steve Young, as an offensive quality control coach, the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
When he started with the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator in 2004, Michael Vick became the most potent dual-threat Quarterback in the NFL, and they finished 11-5. He spent some time moving from team to team after his stop in Atlanta, including a stint as the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos when Peyton Manning led the team to a win in Super Bowl 50.
Knapp was known to many as a great man. Jets’ Head Coach Robert Saleh said of him, “Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards. He lived life in a loving way that helped him connect with people from all walks of life in a unique way,” in a statement posted on Twitter. His death also saw reactions from players like Zach Wilson, Mekhi Becton, and Michael Carter posting about it.
Knapp acted as an unofficial advisor to Zach Wilson in the Pre-draft process, with ties to Steve Young, former 49ers and BYU quarterback.
Knapp leaves behind a wife and three daughters, who have lost a husband and father way too soon.
Jets players now look to move forward in the 2021 season, and as many fans have come to say on social media, “This one is for Coach Knapp.”
