Former Denver Broncos quarterback Greg Knapp died Thursday from injuries he sustained when he was hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle in California last Saturday. He was 58 years old.
Knapp started his coaching career as a running backs coach at Sacramento State, his alma mater, in 1986. He went on to spend time with five NFL teams before joining the Broncos in 2013.
Denver’s offense had a record-setting season in Knapp’s first year with the team, and quarterback Peyton Manning threw 55 touchdown passes.
Knapp coached the Broncos’ quarterbacks for three of Manning’s four years in Denver, and he remained with the team one year after Manning’s retirement. Knapp was a key member of the Broncos team that Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
After his tenure in Denver, Knapp had a three-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons from 2018-2020 before joining the New York Jets as a pass game specialist earlier this year.
Knapp is survived by his wife and three daughters in California.
The Broncos released the following statement on Thursday:
The Denver Broncos are heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Greg Knapp, who was an outstanding coach and an even better person. In his four years as our quarterbacks coach, Greg was an instrumental part of two Super Bowl appearances and our championship run in 2015. The job he did coaching quarterbacks during our Super Bowl 50 season was masterful. He navigated a unique situation with poise and instincts, keeping us on track with his even-keeled demeanor, exceptional teaching ability and caring nature.
From all-time greats like Peyton Manning to young players just starting their careers, Greg was a trusted confidant and the very definition of a ‘quarterback whisperer.’ More importantly, the connections and friendships he forged with players, coaches and staff — as well as their families — were genuine and special. We will all remember Knapper for his kindness, humor and fun-loving approach to life. Our organization extends its deepest condolences to Greg’s wife, Charlotte; his daughters Jordan, Natalie, and Camille; and the entire Knapp family.
Knapp went to training camp as a backup quarterback with three NFL teams from 1986-1994 before transitioning to coaching.
RIP Coach Greg Knapp. Always enjoyed our conversations on and off the field. Awesome person
— Brandon McManus (@thekidmcmanus) July 22, 2021
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