Former Falcons assistant coach Greg Knapp died on Thursday, succumbing to severe injuries from a bicycling accident. He was 58 years old.
Knapp worked for seven different NFL teams during his respected coaching career, including two stints with the Falcons. He was Atlanta's offensive coordinator from 2004-06 and its quarterbacks coach from 2018-20.
Knapp was hired in 2021 as a passing game specialist for the New York Jets, who confirmed news of Knapp’s passing on Thursday evening. According to a statement from Knapp’s family, published on the Jets website, Knapp was struck by a car on Saturday and never regained consciousness. He was surrounded by his mother, his wife, his three daughters and his brother before passing on.
Knapp was beloved by many across the NFL and in the Falcons organization, including owner Arthur Blank.
"On behalf of the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Coach Greg Knapp and wish them peace at this very difficult time," Blank said in a statement. "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. He was always a positive presence with the Falcons and carried that optimistic spirit with him each day while working with our coaches, players and staff on and off the field. He will be deeply missed."
Knapp's family has asked people to visit caringbridge.org to post photos and memories. That site will also include information about a Celebration of Life service.
