Darryl Drake, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver coach, died Sunday, according to team officials. He was 62.
In a statement released on Sunday morning, team president Art Rooney II confirmed Drake’s death.
“Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career,”
Rooney said in a statement. “He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith
and the game of football.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin described Drake as a “close friend” 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.”
In light of his passing, the Steelers canceled their Sunday practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Drake joined the team in January 2018, having previously coached wide receivers for the Arizona Cardinals from
2013 to 2017 and the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012.
Drake is survived by his wife, Sheila, three daughters, and grandchildren.
NFL players and coaches mourned his death on Twitter.
“Darryl Drake was in our coaches’ bible study,” retired coach Tony Dungy wrote. “He was a tremendous coach and
even better man. This is hard to believe and we’re all going to miss him.”
Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu tweeted that he’d miss Drake. The two shared five seasons on the
Cardinals.
“Rip Coach Drake. So many good times and memories with you in AZ. We will miss your energy forever!”
Former Steelers wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey shared a photo of the pair during practice.
“My heart is heavy,” he wrote. “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.”
