John Elway has broken his silence on the tragic death of close friend and former agent Jeff Sperbeck, who passed away after suffering serious injuries in a horrific golf cart accident.
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Jeff Sperbeck, who had been on life support, died at 1:10 a.m. The outlet was first to report the terrible news of Sperbeck’s injuries from the accident, with John Elway behind the wheel.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Elway provided the following statement on the untimely passing of his close friend:
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me.
My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”
According to TMZ, Elway and Sperbeck were returning from a post-Stagecoach party in La Quinta, California, when the unfortunate accident occurred.
Paramedics found Sperbceck “unconscious but still breathing” upon arrival, TMZ reported. Sperbeck was taken to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and was placed on life support before passing away.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation into the accident, though TMZ also reported that John Elway did nothing wrong Sperbeck was just 62 and is survived by his wife, Cori, and three children. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sperbeck’s family and friends during this time.
John Elway Was One Of Jeff Sperbeck’s Top Clients
Jeff Sperbeck rose to prominence as one of the NFL’s best agents in the 1990s, with Elway emerging as his top client. During their partnership, Elway led the Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl championships in the 1997 and ’98 seasons before retiring.
Sperbeck and business partner Mike Sullivan later founded the sports marketing firm, Sullivan & Sperbeck. They represented other notable NFL talents like Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Jim Plunkett and Trent Dilfer, San Francisco 49ers legend and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and former Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker Joey Porter.
For over a decade, Elway and Sperbeck partnered with Napa Valley winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr. together to create a successful 7Cellars wine business.
