:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64992386/482703758.jpg.0.jpg)
The loss of a loved one is never easy, and this goes into the sports world as well. When a coach or players suddenly passes away, it is as if a family member has left us. Think about how much time these players and coaches spend together. Those meetings where a specific coach once led the film study now seems empty and different.
This is the situation wide receivers for the Pittsburgh Steelers are going through after the sudden passing of coach Darry Drake. But the loss of coach Drake goes far beyond the Steelers organization. Players who played or coached with him in Arizona and Chicago also have the feeling of loss on Sunday after the news broke.
Many players and coaches are taking to social media to offer their condolences to Drake and his family, and we here at BTSC felt it appropriate to share some of those comments which speak not just of the coach, but the man Darryl Drake.
Take a look at some of what was said on social media in remembrance of Darryl Drake.
(Editor’s Note: This article will be udpated as the news continues to make its way through league circles.)
Darryl Drake was in our coaches bible study. He was a tremendous coach and an even better man. This is hard to believe and we’re all going to miss him. But it’s proof of what the Bible says—tomorrow is not promised to us. for his family and his players. https://t.co/KAcu1t4ULr
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) August 11, 2019
Rip Coach Drake. So many good times & memories with you in AZ. We will miss your energy forever!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) August 11, 2019
Rest easy Coach Drake. So sad to hear of his passing. Prayers with his family, friends & Steeler Nation. All love!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 11, 2019
RIP Coach Drake good man
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) August 11, 2019
My heart is heavy. Today Steeler Nation and the football world lost not only a good coach but a great man. RIP coach Drake. Thanks for always standing on the table for me. pic.twitter.com/kyux9O51Gh
— Darrius Heyward-Bey (@theDHB85) August 11, 2019
At a loss for words! One of my all time favorite coaches to be around. Rest easy Coach Drake
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88) August 11, 2019
Coach Drake, I love you brother. RIP
— Larry Foote (@LarryFoote313) August 11, 2019
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.
Hate to hear the news about Coach Drake. He was a great man and true leader. He will truly be missed. R.I.P.
— Arthur Moats (@dabody52) August 11, 2019
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
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
Coach Drake made a huge impact on me as a young player. His players loved him. I’ll miss catching up with him throughout each season. Love to his family https://t.co/luPqVfjVlD
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) August 11, 2019
Thinking about you Coach Drake. Your passion, love,and laughs always meant a lot. I hope you are at peace. We miss you so much. RIP
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) August 11, 2019
A statement from our president, Fr. Paul Taylor, on the untimely passing of Steelers assistant coach Darryl Drake. pic.twitter.com/KGYWBbzazY
— St. Vincent College (@MySaintVincent) August 11, 2019
Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the Drake family and @steelers organization. pic.twitter.com/1nFr6iWvCK
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 11, 2019
Terribly sad news, can’t imagine it. Thoughts with the Drake family and everyone in the Steelers organization. https://t.co/hcQAe3nN2a
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 11, 2019
Rest easy coach Drake. We love and miss you
— Brian Allen (@B_ALLO_14) August 11, 2019
Fly high coach Drake.. will forever remember You and the Knowledge..
— Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) August 11, 2019
R.I.P Coach Drake. We love you and miss you !
— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) August 11, 2019
RIP COACH DRAKE
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) August 11, 2019
Our thoughts are with Darryl Drake's family and the entire Steelers organization.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 11, 2019
HC Freddie Kitchens on the loss of his good friend: pic.twitter.com/GYqnkmiF61
Coach Drake was always so positive and upbeat, he will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family during this tragic time.
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) August 11, 2019
Rest In Peace Coach Drake pic.twitter.com/N6tg9h2kez
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) August 11, 2019
Heartbreaking day man.... praying for Coach Drake’s family. Coach touched every player with his smile, jokes, and energy daily. He also pushed us to be great every time we stepped on the field. Rest in Peace Coach we will all miss you... pic.twitter.com/AOi9l8FP1c
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) August 11, 2019
Words can’t describe the devastating loss of Coach Darryl Drake today. At Georgia, Coach Drake was my mentor and father figure. My thoughts and prayers go out to momma Sheila and the girls. RIP, Coach. You will be missed by many.
— Hines Ward (@mvp86hinesward) August 11, 2019
Ima share a lil video of how Coach Drake would start every meeting. I hope these 10sec shows everyone why the football community is hurting right now. RIP COACH WE LOVE YOU. REST EASY! pic.twitter.com/GsrSuskJfT
— Darrius Heyward-Bey (@theDHB85) August 11, 2019
Rest in peace coach Drake! You’ll be missed fa sho
— Jaylen Samuels (@JaySam1k) August 11, 2019
rest in paradise coach you will be missed https://t.co/QRREMxPoRd
— Ulysees Gilbert III (@Ulysees_G5) August 11, 2019
RIH Coach Drake! You had a huge impact on players and coaches alike! You were a great mentor for a me as a new coach coming into the National Football League! I learned so much from you in a short amount of time! You will be missed my friend! #flyhigh https://t.co/3ckqSAFUJB
— Eddie Faulkner (@coachfaulk) August 11, 2019
R.I.P Coach Drake. this was such a great man. I hate to hear the news about you leaving us but now your in a better place. Lord thank you for allowing me to know him and can your provide strength to his fam. https://t.co/RksXcuzNfk
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) August 11, 2019
Coach Darryl Drake took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity to live out my dream. He believed in me and stayed on me everyday. May you Rest In Peace and know we love you coach. pic.twitter.com/lJjwHsw3sF
— Diontae Spencer (@DSpencer4_) August 11, 2019
Only had a few interactions with him..each one was positive and reassuring hence forth every convo we had was uplifting. Not tht I was looking for tht..it just seemed to be who he was as a man and a coach. For tht I thank him. Praying tht he is at peace. RIP COACH DARRYL DRAKE
— Mark Barron (@M_B_24) August 12, 2019
Words can’t explain the way I feel coach! But as men you taught us to never question God’s decisions He had for us! I’m thankful for the time I had with you.
— James Washington (@JamesWashington) August 11, 2019
We love you, and we miss you. Rest on big fella https://t.co/p2cdtdXtJn
What to wish Darryl Drake family my condolences! No one is ever prepared to lose a love one or friend! @steelers @nflnetwork @NFL #playfordrake2019
— Rod Woodson (@RodWoodson26) August 11, 2019
I can’t put into words the impact that Darryl had one me…he was my position coach for 5 years, and he’s been one of the greatest mentors and friends in my life since we met.
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) August 11, 2019
Let faith guide us all through this incredibly difficult moment…sending prayers to all of the extended Drake family, especially to his incredible wife Sheila and their beautiful children.
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) August 11, 2019
— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) August 12, 2019
Man this one is tough. I know he meant a lot to you Hey-Bey! Honestly couldn’t think straight today. Solid as they come. Gone miss seeing him early in the weight room when @MaurkicePouncey and I walk in. #RIPCoachDrake https://t.co/OHwhqv6zJ7
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) August 12, 2019