Greg Knapp dies from bicycle accident injuries; Jets assistant coach was 58

Jets offensive assistant coach Greg Knapp died Thursday from injuries suffered in a bicycle accident Saturday afternoon near his home in California.

The news was announced Thursday afternoon by Knapp’s alma mater, Sacramento State, in a news release.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Greg Knapp," Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor said in a statement. "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."

Knapp’s agent, Jeff Sperbeck, told Mike Klis of 9News in Denver that Knapp had succumbed to his injuries. "He was surrounded by his mom, wife, three daughters and brother," Sperbeck said.

"Those of us 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," the Knapp family said in a statement issued by the Jets. "‘Live every day as if it's your last, and love those around you like it won't last!’"

"Greg's infectious personality is most people's first and lasting memory of him," the team said. "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."

Knapp, 58, was hospitalized in critical condition after being struck by a car in San Ramon, less than 30 miles east of Oakland. He was hit by a motorist shortly before 3 p.m. San Ramon police said drugs and/or alcohol were not a factor in a preliminary report and the vehicle’s driver, who was not identified, is cooperating with police.

Knapp was named the Jets' passing game coordinator in January under first-year head coach Robert Saleh. A former NFL backup quarterback, Knapp had been the Falcons’ quarterbacks coach from 2018-20. He coached with seven different teams over a 23-year career, having previously worked in San Francisco, Atlanta, Oakland, Seattle and Houston.

"The loss of a loved one is always a challenge but is harder when it is completely unexpected," Saleh said in a statement. "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."

"On behalf of the entire Jets organization, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Knapp family," Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "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."

By Bob Glauber

Special to NewsdayBobGlauber

Bob Glauber retired in 2022 after covering the NFL for nearly 40 years. He was selected in 2021 for the Bill Nunn Career Achievement Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and is a three-time winner of the New York State Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. President of the PFWA for the 2018-20 seasons, he is the author of “The Forgotten First” and “Guts and Genius.”