Early Sunday morning the NFL lost one of its most respected figures. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach, Darryl Drake passed away at the age of 62. Drake has been coaching football in college and the NFL for more than three decades spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Steelers during his time in the league.
Steelers president Art Rooney released a statement in which he said Darryl “was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith, and the game of football.” Head coach, Mike Tomlin also released a statement about Drake saying, “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. Darryl loves the game of football and every player he ever coached.”
Other members of the Pittsburgh community posted on their social media channel, paying respect to a man who was more than just a coach them:
Rest In Peace Coach Drake pic.twitter.com/N6tg9h2kez
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) August 11, 2019
R.I.P Coach Drake. this was such a great man. I hate to hear the news about you leaving us but now your in a better place. Lord thank you for allowing me to know him and can your provide strength to his fam. https://t.co/RksXcuzNfk
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) August 11, 2019
Coach Drake was always so positive and upbeat, he will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family during this tragic time.
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) 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. My thoughts and prayers go out to momma Sheila and the girls. RIP, Coach. You will be missed by many.
— Hines Ward (@mvp86hinesward) August 11, 2019
Rest easy Coach Drake. So sad to hear of his passing. Prayers with his family, friends & Steeler Nation. All love!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 11, 2019
The condolences didn’t stop there, many other players (current and former) and coaches also shared stories of the man they knew.
I’m heartbroken for anyone who had the privilege to know Darryl. As a man, a coach, a husband, and a father, he was as good as they come. pic.twitter.com/VEVmjdVGbL
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) 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
Very saddened to hear about the passing of coach Darryl Drake. Had a lot of good times with Coach Drake in practice. Thinking about his family during this tough time. 🙏🏽💙 pic.twitter.com/8tVLKXdcSF
— Brian Urlacher (@BUrlacher54) August 11, 2019
I am at a loss for words during the sorrowful time. Darryl Drake was a great man who loved the game of football but more importantly he was a great father and husband. My heart hurts knowing he is no longer with us. I will always cherish the good times and the many laughs we had. pic.twitter.com/QFabqQ5JIH
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) August 11, 2019
Coach Drake made a huge impact on me as a young player. His players loved him. I’ll miss catching up with him throughout each season. Love to his family https://t.co/luPqVfjVlD
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) August 11, 2019
Rip Coach Drake. So many good times & memories with you in AZ. We will miss your energy forever!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) 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
Coming in undrafted to AZ coach Drake use to tell me keep working you have a shot I’ll never forget how encouraging and down to earth he was. I got to see him last year against Pittsburgh and he told me he was so proud of me and where I came from thank you Coach! Love big dog pic.twitter.com/F45xDKPI1b
— Tony Jefferson (@_tonyjefferson) August 11, 2019
Fellow AFC North coaches Freddie Kitchens (Cleveland Browns head coach) and Wink Martindale (Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinators) also said their condolences to the Drake family and the Steelers organization.
Ravens DC Wink Martindale on the passing of Steelers WR coach Darryl Drake: “I know they’re a great rival, and there is a ton of respect between both organizations. We said a prayer after practice for the family and the organization. What a tough thing to have happen.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 11, 2019
Statement from #Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens on the passing of #Steelers WRs coach Darryl Drake pic.twitter.com/iIKK6VVhTC
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 11, 2019
The Steelers announced that they would be canceling practice at Saint Vincent College for Sunday and Monday in response to Drake’s passing.
Drake is survived by his wife, Sheila, daughters Shanice, Felisha, and Marian as well as two grandchildren.
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