The NFL community came together Sunday to mourn the loss of Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano, who died unexpectedly at the age of 56.
Sparano spent time with several teams over his 19-year NFL coaching career, but was known mostly for his four-year stint as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2008-11, and a 12-game tenure as interim head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2014.
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
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
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 @SeanPayton on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/7pbeB31soS
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) 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
RIP Coach Sparano 🙏🏿
— Khalil Mack (@52Mack_) July 22, 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
— Ronnie Brown (@ronnie23brown) 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
Statement from the #Jaguars on the passing of Tony Sparano: pic.twitter.com/rQgE4ujGo2
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) 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
