Players react to the passing of coach Tony Sparano
Tony Sparano, an NFL coach for nearly two decades, has died at age 56. He was twice a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, and had been on the NFL sideline for 18 years.
He was expected to enter another season as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings when training camp began on Tuesday.
Sparano’s former players took to social media Sunday morning to pay tribute to the longtime coach following his death.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr
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!
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) July 22, 2018
Vikings quarterback Kyle Sloter
Rest In Peace Coach Sparano. I really can’t believe the news. A great coach and even better person. My condolences go out to the Sparano family. I think I speak for everyone when I say this season is for you!
— Kyle Sloter (@KyleSloter) July 22, 2018
Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn
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) July 22, 2018
Former Dolphins linebacker Erik Walden
Damn man sad day …RIP Coach Sparano .Prayers up for the entire Sparano family 🙏🙏
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) July 22, 2018
Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack
RIP Coach Sparano 🙏🏿
— Khalil Mack (@52Mack_) July 22, 2018
Vikings defensive end Tashawn Bower
Man, when it rains it pours. Rest In Peace coach Sparano. Prayers going to your family and friends and our Viking organization. Lost 4 coaches in the past 2 months. Wishing I was able to reverse time and tell not just these people but everyone that’s import to me I appreciate you
— Tashawn Bower (@TashawnBower) July 22, 2018
Former Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew
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) July 22, 2018
Viking tight end Kyle Rudolph
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) July 22, 2018
Former Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline
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) July 22, 2018
Former longtime Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown
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
— Ronnie Brown (@ronnie23brown) July 22, 2018
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