John Elway’s last two years as the Broncos’ QB are not talked about enough. Yes, Elway thrived on the field, scoring touchdowns for fun. But it was only possible because he had a trusted friend-cum-agent who spent time getting grilled and taking care of business amid the noise in packed NFL stadiums. It was 1988, and Elway had a golden ticket to become a billionaire—buy 10% of the Broncos for $15 million, and another 10% for the deferred salary of $21 million that then-owner Pat Bowlen owed him. Elway even had the choice to call it quits after two to five years for $5 million more than the original price with 8% interest a year. But Jeff Sperbeck, who later went on to become Elway’s business partner, had a better offer at hand.

Sperbeck helped Elway secure the largest business deal an NFL player ever made off the field by selling his car dealerships for a whopping $82.5 million. Elway had seven months to think over the Broncos’ offer, but decided to trust his friend’s instincts. And although, Elway, “who did not see a place for himself as an executive in 1998,” stayed in Denver for 25 more years as an executive. But that didn’t affect his partnership with Sperbeck a tad. After the success of his multiple steakhouse restaurants, the two then decided to collaborate on a wine brand, 7Cellars, in 2013. A partnership that went on for over three decades, Elway now does not have his close friend, Sperbeck, by his side, who breathed his last on May 1.

At the Madison Club in La Quinta, California, a well-known desert community and the location of what was meant to be a laid-back evening with friends, Sperbeck, 62, passed away from brain injuries sustained after falling from a golf cart on Saturday. Elway was himself behind the wheel of the golf cart at the time of the collision, according to TMZ. Sperbeck collapsed and hit his head on the asphalt while he was in the passenger seat. The group, which included Elway’s son and the spouses of both men, had just returned from a post-party gathering at the Stagecoach Festival when the incident occurred. Despite being placed on life support after paramedics responded to a 911 call, Sperbeck was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning.

After Sperbeck was announced dead, the Sheriff’s office opened an investigation into the accident that took place six days ago. “The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Sperbeck and will take appropriate action based on the outcome. No further details will be released at this time,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office read.

Apart from the Sperbeck and Elway families, an NFL rival to the Broncos legend Emmitt Smith also paid his last tribute to Jeff. The Cowboys icon, and current NASCAR team co-owner, Emmitt Smith, wrote: “Sending my deepest thoughts and prayers to the Sperbeck family. Gone too soon, rest in peace to a wonderful soul. 🙏🏿🕊️” Smith’s remembrance was more than a passing mention; it represented a larger sorrow in the NFL community. The Broncos are not the only team affected by the tragedy. It resonates with anyone who’s worked behind the scenes.

Jeff Sperbeck was not just an agent or business partner, the 62-year-old was also a father and a husband. His wife Cori and his children Carly, Sam, and Jackson issued a statement announcing his death. “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck.” The statement continued, “He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all. We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends, the Elway’s and the many other clients Jeff called friends. We are grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support that we have received and ask for privacy for our family at this difficult time.”

The incident is still under investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. As of now, nothing that points to any kind of negligence has come to light. Still, Elway’s closeness in the incident has only added levels of complications to the connection. Which lasted for decades and involved millions of dollars in joint endeavours.

Jeff Sperbeck: The man who built empires behind the scenes

Sperbeck, a former quarterback for Sacramento High School and Cal Poly graduate, began his career as an agent in the late 1980s. Landing clients in the Bay Area, including 49ers legends Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott. But what truly influenced his career was his partnership with John Elway in the 1990s. Over the course of more than 30 years, the collaboration evolved into something far more than contracts.

They pushed the Elway brand into eateries and car dealerships. Kept up with Elway’s transition from Hall of Fame athlete to Broncos front-office boss. While co-founding the 7Cellars winery with winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr.

“There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me… Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others,” said John Elway, who was clearly rattled, in a moving and intimate statement.

But Jeff Sperbeck wasn’t only Elway’s guy. He co-founded Sullivan & Sperbeck, which Octagon Sports later purchased. He then oversaw Octagon’s football sector before starting The NOVO Agency, which in 2018 amalgamated with Rep1 Sports. Among his clients were Danny Shelton, LaMichael James, Brandin Cooks, and even the late Greg Knapp. Sperbeck paid tribute to him by spearheading campaigns against distracted driving following his untimely passing.

In a business that often eats its own. Jeff Sperbeck was a rare thing: a trusted confidant in an industry of sharks. And now, his absence leaves a silence no contract negotiation can ever fill.