The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach, Darryl Drake, died on Sunday at the age of 62.
Drake's death was confirmed via statements released by the Steelers organization.
"We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake’s passing this morning," team owner, Art Rooney II, 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."
As for head coach Mike Tomlin, he referred to Drake as a "close friend" that had a "tremendous impact" on his coaching career.
"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," Tomlin's statement reads. "Darryl loved the game of football and every player he ever coached. We will use our faith to guide us and help his family throughout the difficult time." The team announced that Sunday's practice has been cancelled.
Drake played wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, and the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders before starting his coaching career in 1984. He was a college coach for 21 years and in 2004, the Bears tapped him to be their wide receivers coach. Drake spent the next 15 years as an NFL receivers coach for Chicago, Arizona, and Pittsburgh.
