The Minnesota Vikings and the football world were stunned at news of Tony Sparano’s death Sunday morning.
The 56-year-old offensive line coach of the Vikings died unexpectedly at his home Saturday morning, with ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reporting that Sparano’s wife found him unconscious as they were preparing to leave for church.
Mortensen added that Sparano experienced chest pains this weekend, but was released after being checked by doctors.
“I am at a loss for words with Tony’s sudden passing,” Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said. “Tony loved the game of football and his players. More importantly, he was a strong man of faith who treasured his family. My heart is with the Sparanos today. As an organization we will support them in whatever ways we can.”
Head coach Mike Zimmer said he loves Sparano, calling him a “grinder of a worker and had a toughness and fighting spirit that showed in our linemen.”
Players and teams around the NFL expressed their thoughts on Sparano’s death on social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bli7rYWlOds
Devastated to hear the news about Coach Sparano passing. Praying for his family through this tough time.
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) July 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/teddyb_h2o/status/1021097477158719489
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 (@KyleRudolph) July 22, 2018
Really tough to see this, so much respect for this guy, great coach and great person! You will be missed by so many, thoughts and prayers to your family! RIP Coach https://t.co/cTFqtglDcD
— Adam Thielen (@athielen19) July 22, 2018
Beyond shocked to hear the news of Tony Sparano passing away. Heartfelt thoughts to him and his family & friends. #Vikings
— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) July 22, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sparano family and the entire Minnesota Vikings organization at this time. Condolences to all.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 22, 2018
Man, when it rains it pours. Rest In Peace coach Sparano. Prayers going to your family and friends and our Viking organization. Lost 4 coaches in the past 2 months. Wishing I was able to reverse time and tell not just these people but everyone that’s import to me I appreciate you
— Tashawn Bower (@TashawnBower) July 22, 2018
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
RIP Coach Sparano 🙏🏿
— Khalil Mack (@FiftyDeuce) 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 II (@DPENN70) July 22, 2018
— Jake Long (@JakeLong77) 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
Man… I’m in total shock. RIP Tony Sparano. Hell of a coach and person. Had so much love for the game and the people around him. He will be truly missed by many people.
— Brandon Fusco (@BrandonFusco) July 22, 2018
Shits messed up… Rest easy big fella
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 22, 2018
