PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Sunday that wide receiver coach Darryl Drake passed away at the age of 62.
Drake had coached for the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears prior to joining the Steelers. He also coached college football at Texas, Baylor, Georgia and his alma mater, Western Kentucky.
“We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake’s passing this morning,” team President Art Rooney II said in a statement. “Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with through 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.”
That impact was shown on social media Sunday, as many current and former Steelers players, and other members of the NFL community, shared their condolences:
“Darryl was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “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.
“Darryl loved the game of football and every player he ever coached. We will use our faith to guide us and help his family throughout the difficult time. My heart and our prayers are with his wife, Sheila, and Darryl’s entire family.”
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Bud Dupree, Cam Heyward, and more shared smiliar sentiments:
A post shared by
Bud Dupree™ (@bud_dupree) on Aug 11, 2019 at 12:52pm PDT
Thinking about you Coach Drake. Your passion, love,and laughs always meant a lot. I hope you are at peace. We miss you so much. RIP
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward)
August 11, 2019 My heart is heavy. Today Steeler Nation and the football world lost not only a good coach but a great man. RIP coach Drake. Thanks for always standing on the table for me. pic.twitter.com/kyux9O51Gh
— Darrius Heyward-Bey (@theDHB85)
August 11, 2019 Heartbreaking day man.... praying for Coach Drake’s family. Coach touched every player with his smile, jokes, and energy daily. He also pushed us to be great every time we stepped on the field. Rest in Peace Coach ---- we will all miss you... pic.twitter.com/AOi9l8FP1c
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1)
August 11, 2019 Words can’t describe the devastating loss of Coach Darryl Drake today. At Georgia, Coach Drake was my mentor and father figure. He taught me everything about the WR position. He believed in me. I’m so GRATEFUL for the relationship we had. My thoughts and prayers go out to momma Sheila and the girls. RIP, Coach. You will be missed by many.
A post shared by
James Washington (@jameswashington13) on Aug 11, 2019 at 4:58pm PDT
A post shared by
Donte Moncrief (@drm_humble10) on Aug 11, 2019 at 11:47am PDT
RIP Coach Drake good man ----
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid)
August 11, 2019 At a loss for words! One of my all time favorite coaches to be around. Rest easy Coach Drake
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88)
August 11, 2019 Hate to hear the news about Coach Drake. He was a great man and true leader. He will truly be missed. R.I.P.
— Arthur Moats (@dabody52)
August 11, 2019 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 thoughts are with Darryl Drake's family and the entire Steelers organization.HC Freddie Kitchens on the loss of his good friend: pic.twitter.com/GYqnkmiF61
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns)
August 11, 2019 Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the Drake family and @steelers organization. pic.twitter.com/1nFr6iWvCK
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens)
August 11, 2019 We lost a great man, husband father, coach and a dear friend Darryl Drake. Our prayers go out to his family. RIP brother pic.twitter.com/V0U3fvLleP
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians)
August 11, 2019 Darryl Drake was in our coaches bible study. He was a tremendous coach and an even better man. This is hard to believe and we’re all going to miss him. But it’s proof of what the Bible says—tomorrow is not promised to us. --------for his family and his players. https://t.co/KAcu1t4ULr
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy)
August 11, 2019 The Steelers announced that they have canceled Monday's practice and that Mike Tomlin will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
