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Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway broke his silence Wednesday night after his longtime agent, Jeff Sperbeck, died from injuries sustained in a golf cart crash in California.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said in a statement, via ESPN.
“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.
Denver Broncos president of football operations John Elway watches from the sideline during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Dec. 26, 2021. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
“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.”
Sperbeck’s family also released a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck. He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all,” they said in a joint statement. We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends the Elway’s and the many other clients Jeff called friends.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support that we have received and ask for privacy for our family at this difficult time.”
Sperbeck died early Wednesday at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, days after Saturday’s accident in La Quinta, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office confirmed. Sperbeck was 62.
Elway was driving the golf cart, and Sperbeck fell off and struck his head on asphalt, TMZ reported earlier Wednesday. Sperbeck was put on life support after the accident.
Sperbeck was sitting in the passenger seat of the golf cart, according to ESPN.
John Elway warms up before the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in Miami Jan. 31, 1999. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
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The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, and there was no indication Elway was driving the golf cart recklessly, TMZ reported.
Sperbeck first became Elway’s manager in 1990 and represented hundreds of NFL players through multiple agencies.
Some of his other clients included Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott and Jim Plunkett.
In 2015, Elway and Sperbeck founded 7Cellars, which produces premium wines from central California and Napa Valley.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway walks the sideline during the closing minutes of the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers Jan. 28, 1990, in New Orleans. (Michael Madrid/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Elway spent his entire 16-year career with the Broncos, winning two Super Bowls. He also spent time in the Broncos’ front office.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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