Vikings OL und ehemaliger NFL Headcoach Tony Sparano überraschend verstorben

Tony Sparano, der Offensive Line Coach der , ist am Sonntag für alle überraschend verstorben. Das gaben die Vikings am Abend bekannt. Er wurde lediglich 56 Jahre alt.

Über die Umstände des Todes ist bis dato noch nichts Näheres bekannt. Sparano, seit 2016 bei den Vikings, sollte am Dienstag in seine dritte Saison bei den Vikings starten.

Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony…Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony’s presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts.”

Der erfahrene Assistant Coach wurde bei NFL-Fans vor allem durch seine vier Jahre als Headcoach bekannt, die er zwischen 2008 und 2011 coachte. Er führte die Dolphins in seiner ersten Saison zu einem AFC East Titel und machte die Wildcat-Formation auf dem Weg dorthin populär. Während seiner 19 Jahre als Coach in der NFL, verbrachte Sparano Zeit bei den , Washington Redskins, , , Dolphins, , Oakland Raiders, und Vikings.

Viele aktive NFLer betrauern den plötzlichen Tod des Coaches.

Sporano Family I am so sorry for your loss. Coach believed in me, trusted me, and stuck with me as a rookie. He would check on my family every HC and QB meeting we would have! He was a great man! I love you coach!

— (@derekcarrqb) 22. Juli 2018

We lost a great man today in our football family. I was only around coach Tony Sparano for a year. But left a lasting impact on my life. Football meant a lot to him but family was everything. My prayers go out to his family. ?

— Maurice Jones-Drew (@MJD) 22. Juli 2018

Thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Sparano, his family and everyone in the @Vikings organization.. life’s precious and we just never know when it’s our time.. RIP Coach.. https://t.co/vOzlSoUTlq

— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) 22. Juli 2018

Statement from @SeanPayton on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/7pbeB31soS

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) 22. Juli 2018

Damn I’m at a loss for words RIP coach Sparano taught me so much not just about football about life also one of the biggest reasons why I signed with the @RAIDERS was because of you coach thanks for everything love you coach RIP

— Donald Penn (@DPENN70) 22. Juli 2018 RIP Coach Sparano ??

— Khalil Mack (@52Mack_) 22. Juli 2018

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sparano family. One of the most energetic and motivational coaches that I’ve ever played for. He will truly be missed! #prayers

— (@ronnie23brown) 22. Juli 2018

Heart broken and lost for words! We lost a great man. Prayers to the Sparano family. So glad I got to see you and tell ya how much you meant to me a month ago. @Vikings #RIPTony

— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) 22. Juli 2018

Statement from the#Jaguars on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/rQgE4ujGo2

— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) 22. Juli 2018