NY Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp passes away at 58

07/22/2021

Greg Knapp, the NY Jets’ passing game specialist and a longtime NFL assistant, has passed away at 58 years old.

Following a bicycle accident in California this past Saturday, July 17, New York Jets passing game coordinator Greg Knapp has passed away at 58 years old.

The Knapp family released a statement.

Statement from the Knapp family: pic.twitter.com/GvSwsG7K1T

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2021

“Those of who were so blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one. So this is it… ‘Live every day as if it’s your last, and love those around like it won’t last!”, the statement reads.

“Greg’s infectious personality is most people’s first and lasting memory of him. The phrase ‘He never met a stranger’ encapsulates Knapper’s zest for life. He had a unique gift to make everyone feel special, and to Knapper, they all were.”

The statement closes, “While his family, friends, and players still had so much to learn from him and desperately wished they had more time with him, God called an audible and wanted to go over the game plan directly with him. It will certainly be a masterpiece, just like Greg!”

Head coach Robert Saleh and owner Woody Johnson released statements, via the New York Jets.

pic.twitter.com/ZbXauwOmQJ

— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 22, 2021

Saleh’s statement reads, “The loss of a loved one is always a challenge but is harder when it is completely unexpected. Charlotte, Jordan, Natalie, and Camille please accept our most sincere condolences.”

“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 his short time here, I believe the people in this organization had a chance to experience that connection. Greg, thank you for all that you have shared with us, you will be missed brother,” Saleh’s statement closes.

pic.twitter.com/AgsJdBg2qT

— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) July 22, 2021

Johnson states, “On behalf of the entire Jets organization, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Knapp family. In his short time with us, Greg had an immediate influence on those who had the pleasure of spending the smallest amount of time with him. His legacy is not only working with some of the brightest quarterbacks the league has ever seen, but the countless others across this world he has had an indelibly positive influence on.”

Numerous Jets players have begun to express their condolences.

Rip Coach Knapp, his impact on people and his energy created a legacy that will live on for forever. Hug ya love ones tight. 💔

— Michael Carter (@8kMike) July 22, 2021