New York Jets assistant Greg Knapp, a well-traveled NFL coach who worked with Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young and soon-to-be-inducted Peyton Manning over his 25-year career, died Thursday from injuries suffered when he was struck by a car while biking last Saturday in San Ramon, California.
The affable Knapp, known for his expertise with quarterbacks, was only days away from flying to New Jersey to begin his first season as the Jets’ passing-game specialist under new coach Robert Saleh.
“Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards,” Saleh said in a statement posted to Twitter.
An avid bicyclist, Knapp was hit by a single motorist at about 2:49 p.m., not far from his home in Danville, San Ramon police said.
He had a unique gift to make everyone feel special, and to Knapper, they all were.
Knapp also coached for the Atlanta Falcons , Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, either as the quarterbacks coach or the offensive coordinator.
In addition to Manning and Young, Knapp helped tutor quarterbacks Michael Vick, Carson Palmer and Matt Ryan.
The Jets hired Knapp to preside over their three young quarterbacks.
Knapp was well-respected across the league.
Knapp, born in Long Beach, California, played college ball at Sacramento State.