Former Broncos QB coach Greg Knapp dies following bike accident

Greg Knapp, the former Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach who helped guide Peyton Manning to one of the most prolific passing seasons in NFL history, passed away Thursday after succumbing to injuries suffered from being struck while riding his bicycle over the weekend.  He was 58.

Per 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis, Knapp’s agent, Jeff Sperbeck, confirmed the news Thursday afternoon that the man people affectionately called “Knapper” was “called back home to Heaven.”

Said Sperbeck (via Klis):

“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.

“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.”

Knapp was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in San Ramon, California — in the San Francisco Bay Area — over the weekend and had been hospitalized in critical condition.

According to Sperbeck, Knapp was “rendered unconscious immediately” and never regained consciousness.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the Broncos said:

“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.”

Among the more well-liked and respected offensive minds in the NFL, Knapp broke into the league in 1997 with the San Francisco 49ers after spending nine years coaching for his alma mater, Sacramento State.

Eventually Knapp would work up to the 49ers’ offensive coordinator role in 2001, a position he’d also hold with the Atlanta Falcons (2004-’06), Oakland Raiders (2007-’08, 2012), and Seattle Seahawks (2009).

Knapp joined the Broncos staff in 2013 as quarterbacks coach, where he’d help guide Manning to not only his first Super Bowl appearance with Denver but also single season passing records for touchdowns (55) and yards (5,477). That season, the Broncos offense ranked No. 1 in the NFL and was the first team to ever surpass the 600-point mark in a single season.

A part of the 2015 Super Bowl 50 staff, Knapp stayed with the Broncos through the 2016 season.

Most recently, Knapp had been hired as the New York Jets pass game coordinator.