Denver Broncos: NFL community remembers coach Greg Knapp
Former Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp passed away on Thursday, July 22nd after he was involved in a severe crash in which he was riding his bicycle. Knapp was struck by a car.
He was in critical condition and reports of his death started rolling in quickly.
Knapp was in charge of the quarterbacks of the Denver Broncos from 2013 through 2016, which included four years with 2021 Hall of Fame inductee Peyton Manning.
He was a significant part of Manning’s 2013 record-breaking season in which Manning threw for over 5,477 yards, as well as 55 touchdowns (both NFL records at the time).
Peter King of NBC Sports recently put out a tweet about Knapp, that had a little nugget about former Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler from when he was with the Houston Texans:
RIP Greg Knapp.
— Peter King (@peter_king) July 23, 2021
We always say, “What a nice guy.” In 37 yrs covering the NFL, I have Knapp in top 10 of both nice guys and QB coaches.
When Texans GM Rick Smith asked Brock Osweiler what he could do to get him back to pre-Houston form after yr 1, Osweiler said, “Hire Greg Knapp.”
That is an incredible thing to say. It’s moving. in 27 games (11 starts) with the Broncos, Osweiler had a 5-6 record, completed 283 of 477 passes for 3,214 yards 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Osweiler replaced Peyton Manning in Week 9 of the 2015 season, helping the Broncos win five more games, putting their total to 12 for the season.
Following Knapp’s tenure with the Broncos, he went on to be Matt Ryan’s quarterback coach in Atlanta from 2018 through 2020, and most recently was hired to be the passing game coordinator of the New York Jets.
Greg Knapp’s former teams remember the late coach.
The Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans each put out statements following Knapp’s death.
Denver Broncos
We’re heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of former Broncos QB Coach Greg Knapp.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 22, 2021
We will all remember “Knapper” for his kindness, humor and fun-loving approach to life.
We’re sending our deepest condolences to the entire Knapp family. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ou5Z2QihzS
Man so Sad lost Coach Knapp been my guy since I was 21 always keep our friendship fruitful going to miss you coach 💯❤️🙏🏾
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) July 22, 2021
Houston Texans
We're sending our deepest condolences to the Knapp family after the tragic passing of former Texans assistant coach and long-time NFL assistant Greg Knapp.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 23, 2021
Rest In Peace, Coach Knapp. pic.twitter.com/N3BrfbZYSZ
New York Jets
— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) July 22, 2021
The Raiders are saddened and stunned to hear of the passing of Greg Knapp, who served as offensive coordinator over two stints with the Silver and Black.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 22, 2021
The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Coach Knapp’s family during this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EdU6TGOncF
“He was a tremendous football coach who achieved at the highest levels of our game, but more importantly he was a wonderful person who had the love, admiration and respect of those who were blessed to work with him.” - Arthur Blank
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 22, 2021
Rest In Peace, Greg Knapp. pic.twitter.com/aEJJiTliQb
It is an incredibly sad day for the NFL world. Greg Knapp was a tremendous football coach, but I am sure that he was an even better human being.
Next. 5 forgotten Broncos QBs. dark
The NFL lost an important figure on Thursday. Our hearts go out to everybody who is affected by this great loss. Rest in Peace, coach Knapp.