MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Adam Zimmer, former Minnesota co-defensive coordinator, 17-year NFL assistant and son of former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, has died. he was 38 years old.
Sister Corey Zimmer White confirmed death on her Instagram account on Tuesday. Adam Zimmer died Monday, she said. No reason was given.
“The most kind, sweet, family-loving, sports-obsessed soul ever,” wrote Zimmer White.
Adam Zimmer has been working as an offensive analyst for the Cincinnati Bengals this season. When Mike Zimmer was fired in January, so was most of his staff.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Adam Zimmer. It was clear that we care a lot about our staff and our thoughts are with Mike, Cory, Marquis and the entire Zimmer family,” the Vikings owner said in a statement.
Adam Zimmer entered the NFL in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints. He spent his 2010 season in Kansas City as an assistant linebacker coach with the Chiefs, and the 2013 season was Mike Zimmer’s last season with the Bengals. rice field.
“Our organization has had the privilege of knowing and working with the Zimmer family for 15 years. “We are deeply saddened,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement. “Mike and Adam were more than just coaches to us. They were friends. Our thoughts are with you.” And prayers are with the Zimmer family at this time.”
When the Vikings hired Mike Zimmer in 2014, he took his son along to coach linebackers. Adam Zimmer was promoted to defensive coordinator alongside Andre Patterson in 2020.
“Ignore family ties. It’s just that he’s a good coach,” former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway said in an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday. It didn’t matter who he was, Adam was a good coach no matter what.”
Mike Zimmer’s wife and Adam Zimmer’s mother, Vicki Zimmer, died suddenly in 2009 at the age of 50. That was the last year Adam Zimmer won the Super Bowl with the Saints.
“It brought back memories of Adam’s four years as an assistant coach with our organization. the saint said in a statement. “Adam was knowledgeable, hardworking, liked and enthusiastic by everyone he came into contact with. During his time with the Saints, he quickly developed into an excellent coach.”
Corey Zimmer White said in an Instagram post that Adam Zimmer told her “countless times” that he loved watching him become a mother to his 1-year-old twin nephews.
“My brother is one of my closest friends, especially after my mother passed away. “I didn’t even have to ask.”
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