John Elway is speaking out on the death of his longtime business partner and former agent, Jeff Sperbeck.
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway, 64, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter in a Wednesday, April 30, statement. “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.”
Elway continued, “My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”
Sperbeck died Wednesday at the age of 62 after he was placed on life support following a golf accident both he and Elway were involved in on Saturday, April 26. Elway was allegedly driving a golf cart at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California, when Sperbeck fell off the back of the vehicle and hit his head on the asphalt, according to TMZ. Per the outlet, there is no indication that Elway had been driving negligently.
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Following the accident, local news outlet KESQ spoke with an eyewitness, Ali Simon, who was present when it happened.
“It was so sad, and our hearts just go out to the families,” Simon said on Tuesday, April 29. “We got there, and [Sperbeck] was unfortunately lying on the ground, and there were people surrounding him just trying to make sure he was OK. People were on the phone just trying to get help there as soon as they possibly could.”
She added, “It was so scary; it was nothing like we’ve ever seen. You just don’t think you’re ever going to witness anything like that.”
Medics arrived on the scene within five minutes. According to TMZ, Elway called 911 after Sperbeck’s fall. An investigation is ongoing.
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Elway played all 16 seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, leading his team to Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999. Afterward, the retired quarterback served as the Broncos’ general manager and executive vice president. He most recently worked in a consultant role until his contract expired in March 2023. Sperbeck was Elway’s agent through much of his career.
Toward the end of Elway’s time with the NFL, the athlete and Sperbeck teamed up for the launch of their 7Cellars winery.
“7Cellars was founded by professional football icon John Elway and his long-time business partner, Jeff Sperbeck,” a website description reads. “With the success of Elway’s Steakhouses, John wanted to create a wine that would live up to his ideals and be a proud representation of his family’s name. They partnered with iconic winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr. to release the company’s first vintage of Reserve wines, with a 2013 Cabernet and a 2014 Chardonnay. After five successful and sold-out vintages of the Reserve, 7Cellars expanded. The Farm Collection was released in March 2020. This collection is offered at a more approachable price point, but with the same superior quality for which the brand is known.”
