The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a tragic loss after the unexpected death of wide receivers coach Darryl Drake.
Steelers President Art Rooney II announced on Sunday morning that Drake passed away at the age of 62.
"We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake's passing this morning," Rooney said in a statement. "Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career. He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time."
Drake was headed into his second season with the Steelers. Mike Tomlin brought the coaching veteran to Pittsburgh during the offseason in the lead up to the 2018 season.
"Darryl was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career," Tomlin said. "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."
Drake spent more than 30 seasons coaching football on both the professional and collegiate levels. His coaching career started in 1983 when he took a job as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky. After spending 20 years in the college ranks, Drake moved on to the NFL in 2004 when the Bears hired him as their wide receivers coach. Drake was on the coaching staff that helped lead Chicago to the Super Bowl in 2006.
Today we mourn the untimely passing of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. Darryl was the former Bears wide receivers coach under Lovie Smith from 2004-12, including the 2006 Super Bowl appearance.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 11, 2019
After nine seasons with the Bears, Drake latched on with the Cardinals and spent four seasons in Arizona where he served as a wide receivers coach under Bruce Arians. Both the Cardinals and Arians shared their condolences on Twitter.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Darryl Drake. It is impossible to overstate his impact on the game in nearly four decades as a coach in college and the NFL.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 11, 2019
Today, the entire football community mourns his loss.
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
The Steelers canceled Sunday's practice following the announcement of Drake's death.