Some moments make you think how fragile and unpredictable life is. Similarly, college football is filled with several moments that make you ponder the same thing. Just recently, fans had to hear the tragic passing of LSU’s stalwart wide receiver Kyren Lacy. It still seems like yesterday, only without Lacy among us. Now, the college football community is mourning the passing of another legend, who won their hearts first as a player and then as a football coach.

The Bergenfield High School coach, Rob Violante, tragically died in a car crash. Three other people also got killed in the road accident when Violante’s car collided with a Honda sedan on Taconic State Parkway, New Castle, New York, in the afternoon. Violante’s passing is a loss for the footballing world, and his on-field heroics will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Kevin Devaney Jr. shared a heartfelt note on his X account after Violante’s passing.

“Absolutely devastated to learn about the passing of Rob Violante this morning….He lived for his nephews and nieces. He didn’t miss one of their games. I always admired that pride he had in his family and how close they were….My love to the Violantes, one of my favorite families I’ve come across in my life. Genuinely good people and a model sports family. Rob was one of a kind,” said Kevin Devaney.

Rob Violante came from an illustrious athletic family, thanks to his father Frank, who coached several high schools in the Westchester area. The Bergenfield coach’s sports journey started at Somers High School, where he played as a quarterback and a basketball player from 1994 to 1998. His heroics were quickly noticed, and he enrolled in the University of Delaware and played QB until 2001. After his college football career ended, he quickly joined Dobbs Ferry High School as an assistant football coach and remained there until 2011.

Violante joined Bergenfield High School in 2011 and stayed there until his tragic passing. This was the school where he served for 15 years and became one of the longest-tenured coaches in the school’s history. At Bergenfield, the head coach won 61 games and reached the playoffs five times. His passing has left a void in both high school and college footballing world, and his contribution will have a lasting impact in years to come.

The football community reacts to the tragic passing of Rob Violante

The internet is filled with messages of condolences for Violante, with people praising the head coach for his contribution and impact on football. One of the users, however, praised the career that Violante had as an athlete both at college and at high school. “Prayers and condolences to the Violante Family, Rob was a stud athlete and was always a pleasure to cross paths with. 🙏🙏“.Moreover, several prominent accounts also sent condolences to the family.

Coach D’Andraia, the Westminster Wildcats’ football and Lacrosse coach, highlighted the intense competition he brought whenever he faced Violante’s team. “Rest in Peace, Rob. Was a pleasure competing against you and getting to know you. Devastating loss”. Yorktown Huskers Football also paid its tributes to Violante and sent their condolences to his family and the Somers community. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Violante Family & Somers Community during this difficult time. #FootballFamily“.

Rob Violante might have worked in the field, but he always remained a lifelong and important member of Somers off the field too. He acted as a mentor to students and was fondly called “more than a coach“. Tim Weaver, in his message, summarized how good a guy Violante was. “Got to know Rob when I recruited NJ for his alma mater, U of Delaware. Really good guy, good coach, funny dude. This is really sad. My best to his family.” The passing of Violante has left football fans in shock and mourning, we hope that the family finds strength in these testing times and takes comfort from the impact that Violante had on the people he worked with in his life.