Steelers WR coach Darryl Drake passes away at age 62
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers mourn the loss today of one of their own. Wide receiver coach, Darryl Drake, passed away on Sunday.
Tragic news broke Sunday morning in Pittsburgh: Steelers assistant coach, Darryl Drake has passed away. He was just 62 years old, and no cause of death has been released at this time.
Steelers receivers coach Darryl Drake died early this morning. The cause of death was unknown. The Steelers have cancelled their practice sessions for Sunday and Saint Vincent College is closed.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 11, 2019
Steelers president Art Rooney II had the following to say about Darryl Drake:
"“We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake’s passing this morning. Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career. He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time.”"
Drake became an NFL coach back in 2004. He joined the Steelers in 2018 and replaced the retired Richard Mann. Drake was entering his second season with the Steelers and the 15th of his coaching career.
Previously, Drake had been a part of the Arizona Cardinals for five seasons (2013-2017), and spent nine years with the Chicago Bears (2004-2012).
Before becoming a coach at Georgia back in 1992, Drake spent time as a player in training camp with the Washington Redskins (1979) and the Cincinnati Bengals (1983).
Fans, media, players, and coaches poured out their condolences to the Drake family and spoke highly of Coach Drake on social media. Here is some of what they had to say on his passing:
On behalf of the Pitt football program, our deepest sympathies to the family of Darryl Drake and the entire Steelers organization. A great coach and man who leaves a tremendous legacy.
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) August 11, 2019
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Darryl Drake. It is impossible to overstate his impact on the game in nearly four decades as a coach in college and the NFL.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 11, 2019
Today, the entire football community mourns his loss.
Rooney on Darryl Drake: “He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2019
Coach Mike Tomlin on Darryl Drake: "Darryl was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, and it is difficult to put into words the grief our entire team is going through right now."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 11, 2019
Darryl Drake was a close friend to many in the Steelers facility, and remained close with many in the Cardinals and Bears facilities. His passing is an unexpected tragedy, and one that will not soon be easy for family members, players, and coaches to overcome.
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The Steelers shut down training camp practice in Latrobe on Sunday to mourn the loss of one of their great coaches. The NFL must go on, but Darryl Drake’s contributions to Pittsburgh and to the game of football will not be forgotten.
Here is the full statement from head coach Mike Tomlin on the passing of Darryl Drake:
Statement from Coach Tomlin on the passing of Darryl Drake.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 11, 2019
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