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Jets passing game coordinator Greg Knapp died Thursday, five days after a “horrific” bike accident left him in critical condition, the team announced. He was 58 years old.

Knapp was struck by a motorist while riding his bike near his home in Danville, Calif., on Saturday. According to the San Ramon Police Department, Knapp sustained “major injuries” in the accident, which occurred shortly before 3 p.m. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor, and the driver was cooperating with the authorities.

Knapp leaves behind his wife, Charlotte, and three daughters — Jordan, Natalie and Camille.

“Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad,” his family said in a statement released by the Jets.

“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…‘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 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.”


  Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) listens to passing game specialist Greg Napp during Jets OTAs. Bill Kostroun Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) listens to passing game specialist Greg Napp during Jets OTAs. Bill Kostroun

Knapp, 58, had been an NFL assistant coach since 1997. Mainly coaching quarterbacks over the span of his 24-year career, Knapp worked with 11 Pro Bowlers and the likes of Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Steve Young.

He joined the Jets in January as a part of Robert Saleh’s revamped coaching staff and had worked closely with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.

His effect on the franchise, despite his short tenure with the Jets, was apparent from those within the organization.

“Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards,” Saleh said. “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 Knapp joined the Jets this offseason as a part of Robert Saleh’s new staff. Getty Images Greg Knapp joined the Jets this offseason as a part of Robert Saleh’s new staff. Getty Images

That extended all the way to the owner’s box.

“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,” owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “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.”

Zach Wilson reacted to the passing of coach Greg Knapp on Instagram. @zachapono1/Instagram

Prior to joining the 49ers’ coaching staff in 1997, Knapp spent nine years on the coaching staff of his alma mater, Sacramento State, where he starred as quarterback. Knapp also coached with the Falcons, Raiders, Seahawks, Texans and Broncos, where he won a Super Bowl in 2015 as Manning’s quarterbacks coach.

“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,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said.

As news broke of Knapp’s passing, Jets players, slated to begin training camp next week, shared their condolences.

“Rest In Peace coach Knapp,” rookie Alijah Vera-Tucker wrote. “My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.”

“Rip Coach Knapp, his impact on people and his energy created a legacy that will live on for forever,” running back Michael Carter tweeted. “Hug ya love ones tight.”

“Damn man,” lineman Mekhi Becton posted on Twitter. “Sleepy face RIP Coach Knapp I promise ima do all the things we talked about!”

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