Shocking news out of the NFL this afternoon — beloved longtime coach Tony Sparano has passed away unexpectedly.
Sparano, who was currently the offensive line coach of the Minnesota Vikings, had more than 20 years experience coaching in the NFL, and another fifteen in the college ranks.
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He had previously been the head coach of both the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders.
At this point unclear what caused his death, but the league is already reeling with the news of his “unexpected” passing overnight or early this morning. Coaches, media members, players, and others from around the league are already mourning his death publicly (below):
Statement from Vikings Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf on the sudden passing of Tony Sparano. pic.twitter.com/uMgcw1m0en
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 22, 2018
Sad news about Tony Sparano. The 2008 Dolphins team he coached was one of the most incredible, unlikely stories in league history. RIP.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) July 22, 2018
Tony Sparano was only 56 years old. Tragic. Prayers up for his family. ðŸ™ðŸ¾ðŸ™ðŸ¾ðŸ™ðŸ¾ pic.twitter.com/r0HIsEr29c
— Andy (ëŒ€ìˆ˜ì‹ ) (@AndyCarlsonShow) July 22, 2018
My last interview at minicamp was with Tony Sparano. His gruff, no-nonsense exterior made him who he was, but behind that he was one of the nicest most gracious people I’ve had the privilege to interview. A real shock to the system. The NFL lost a good one.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 22, 2018
One of the funnest games I’ve ever watched was when Tony Sparano pulled out the wildcat on Belichick and the Patriots. I was in Orlando at a bar watching with friends and it was a great time.
— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) July 22, 2018
From the birth of the Wildcat & our last AFC East Division Title in 2008 to every single Field Goal fist pump, RIP Tony Sparano. Gone too soon pic.twitter.com/H7TTrPRW81
— Graham 🈠#FinsUp #CAFC (@Grummy1976) July 22, 2018
Never forget the day the Dolphins brought the Wildcat back to the NFL, surprising everybody and curb stomping the Patriots in Foxboro, led by Ronnie Brown’s 5 TDs.
That team was helmed by none other than Tony Sparano. pic.twitter.com/nDxPnW3boP
— Mike Kennedy (@mbken84) July 22, 2018
RIP to a great man who gave me an opportunity in National Football League and BELIEVED in me from day 1! Many great memories playing for Tony Sparano for 4 years! You’ll be missed! Rest easy Coach! #riptonysparano
— Kendall Langford (@KendallLangford) July 22, 2018
Sad news for the #Vikings: OL coach Tony Sparano passed away over night, per team official. He was 56.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2018
Gone too soon, Tony Sparano. It was my privilege to know you.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) July 22, 2018
1/2 More details on tragic passing of Vikings’ OL coach Tony Sparano, via @mortreport. Sparano complained about chest pains this weekend and went to hospital Thursday. Doctors did tests, but released him Friday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2018
2/2 Tony Sparano and his wife, Jeannette, were about to leave for church this morning when she found him unconscious in their kitchen. She tried CPR, but he could not be revived. He was 56.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2018
Ugh…
Those last two tweets are just… heartbreaking. Truly heartbreaking.
R.I.P., Coach Sparano.
[Image via Getty Images.]
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