Matt Ryan, Steve Young among QBs to pay tribute to Greg Knapp

Greg Knapp was a renowned quarterbacks coach who worked with several of the best passers in the NFL during his 24 years in the league.

So when he died Thursday from injuries he sustained after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle, many of Knapp’s former pupils were among those to mourn the loss of their coach on social media. That included Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, former Falcons and Jets quarterback Michael Vick, and former 49ers quarterbacks Steve Young and Jeff Garcia.

Knapp, 58, coached Ryan for three seasons from 2018-2020. Ryan had his second-best season as a Falcon in 2018 with Knapp when he threw for 4,924 yards, 35 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Vick, who played one season with the Jets in 2014, began his career with the Falcons during Knapp’s first stint with the team. Knapp was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator from 2004-2006. Vick made the Pro Bowl for two of those seasons and made it to the NFC Championship game. He told N.J.com that Knapp called him “Super.”

“I wasn’t Mike. I wasn’t Michael. I was Super. That was our special bond,” Vick said. “I can hear him now in my head: ‘Nice throw, Super. Good job, Super.’ Plenty of times, over and over again. That meant a lot moving forward in my life.”

I am heartbroken of the passing of my beloved Coach Greg Knapp. I had the privilege of being mentored by him for 3 yrs w/the Falcons. Words can’t describe the profound impact he had on my life. I extend my condolences & prayers to his family during this time. Love you Coach . pic.twitter.com/nBfJIREZF9

— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) July 23, 2021

Knapp is probably best known for his work with the 49ers, where he coached Young and Garcia. Knapp joined the 49ers as an offensive quality control coach in 1995 – his first NFL job after nine years at Sacramento State. He was eventually promoted to quarterbacks coach in 1998 and then to offensive coordinator in 2001.

Though Young was already an established star by the time Knapp joined the 49ers, the signal-caller had one of his best seasons with Knapp as his coach. Young threw for a career-high 36 touchdowns and 4,170 yards with a league-best 278.0 yards per game.

Said goodbye to my friend and coach Greg Knapp today after tragic bicycle accident. He was one of a kind. He had a big impact on me. Much love to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/xIS8JjE7Ek

— Steve Young (@SteveYoungQB) July 23, 2021

Knapp coached Garcia next. The 49ers quarterback earned three Pro Bowl nods from 2000-2003 under Knapp’s direction. Garcia echoed the sentiments of many when remembering his former coach.

So sad to see coach Greg Knapp go at such a young age. What a tragic accident to an awesome man. He will be long remembered as a great person, incredible coach, wonderful father, and true friend. Knapper was so instrumental in my growth as a QB with the ⁦@49ers⁩ God Bless. pic.twitter.com/vxy2k8tgH7

— Jeff Garcia Football (@JeffGarciaJGFA) July 23, 2021

Robert Saleh hired Knapp to bring his quarterback development prowess to New York, where he was tasked with adding rookie Zach Wilson to the long list of accomplished passers he coached.

Wilson shared his own words following Knapp’s death, writing that the coach made a “huge impact” on his life in only a few months.