Back in the early ’90s, a young guy named Jeff Sperbeck was just a business student at California Polytechnic State University, chasing a big dream — to make it into the NFL world as an agent. And he made it happen, becoming a certified NFL Contract Advisor in 1994. Not long after, he crossed paths with another “J” — none other than 2-time Super Bowl champ John Elway. What started as a professional relationship quickly turned into something much deeper. Sperbeck became Elway’s trusted advisor, business partner, and one of his closest friends. Now, Jeff is in the fight of his life, and it’s not just John Elway who’s worried — millions of fans are pulling for him too.

Jeff Sperbeck, John Elway’s longtime agent and business partner, was riding in a golf cart at The Madison Club in La Quinta, CA, on the afternoon of Saturday, April 26, when something went wrong with the vehicle. He fell and hit his head. His wife and another person witnessed the accident and rushed him to Desert Regional Medical Center nearby. After a thorough medical evaluation, doctors delivered devastating news.

Sperbeck was placed on life support. While he is not medically deceased, doctors have informed his family that he will not recover. They are now preparing to harvest his organs for donation. John Elway has not yet made a public statement, but there’s no doubt he’s deeply affected. The two shared many memories and built a strong bond over the years.

Sperbeck became the manager of John Elway’s marketing and business activities. He had a 30-year NFL career as an agent and managed around 100 players. He also helped those players in their business ventures and other activities. The most famous of them, John Elway, also became his business partner, opening a wine brand, 7Cellars, in 2015.

It’s shocking news. All the players who worked with him remember him as a kind-hearted man. His Instagram also shows how much he loved his friends.

John Elway’s agent paid tribute to the deceased NFL coach

In July 2021, a motorcyclist hit the NFL coach Gregg Knapp in San Ramon, California. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Walnut Creek, California, where he died 5 days later. The news shook the NFL world. Everyone was emotional. Jeff Sperbeck was also one of them.

John Elway’s agent was so sad over the incident that more than one year after Knapp died, he posted a video on Instagram in December 2022, climbing stairs in memory of the NFL coach. Each year, he and others organized a memorial program, gathering athletes and friends to climb the stairs in the nearby stadium.

For other athletes, Jeff Sperbeck helped them live a peaceful life. He identified different pain areas and helped the players navigate those tough waters. In 2015, he also started Next Play Capital, a venture partner, to help plan succession planning in financial matters. All-in-all, he was a good friend, adored and loved by all.