The Minnesota Vikings announced on Sunday that longtime NFL coach Tony Sparano has died at age 56, and the reaction from teams, coaches, players and executives shows just how respected he was across the league.
Sparano, who is best known for his four-year stint as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-2011, complained of chest pains last week and was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. He was released Friday after doctors conducted a series of tests, but he died Sunday morning. The NFL community was left stunned, and many paid tribute to the late coach.
Coach Zimmer on the passing of Tony Sparano pic.twitter.com/YPG2biZPEG
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 22, 2018
GM Rick Spielman on the passing of Tony Sparano pic.twitter.com/k34tz4SqvF
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 22, 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) July 22, 2018
You could tell Coach Sparano had true love and passion for the game. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sparano family. https://t.co/y1I8LZrKAA
— Tavarres King (@Tkunodos) July 22, 2018
One of best coaches I’ve had the opportunity to play for. Thankful for all I’ve learned from him, Thank you for impacting my NFL journey in the best way possible. Prayers to his family https://t.co/fRieVdWT41
— Storm Norton (@stormnorton74) July 22, 2018
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
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
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
Prayers for the Sparano family upon hearing of the loss Coach Sparano. Spent the 2017 training camp with him and the @Vikings Learned a lot from him in such a short period of time….RIP. #OLinePride #OLine pic.twitter.com/8GRCc2TfN8
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) July 22, 2018
Really tough to see this, so much respect for this guy, great coach and great person! You will be missed by so many, thoughts and prayers to your family! RIP Coach https://t.co/cTFqtglDcD
— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) July 22, 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) July 22, 2018
Statement from the #Jaguars on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/rQgE4ujGo2
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) July 22, 2018
Coach Pat Shurmur shares his thoughts on the passing of Tony Sparano. pic.twitter.com/6BXPdQcaxv
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 22, 2018
I am in disbelief – condolences to his wife Jeanette and three children. https://t.co/h6XczHiAuT
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 22, 2018
RIP Coach Sparano
— Khalil Mack (@52Mack_) July 22, 2018
Statement from @SeanPayton on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/7pbeB31soS
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 22, 2018
There were many more tributes, and they are sure to continue rolling in as people across the football world learn the tough news. Sparano leaves behind his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
