John Elway’s business partner, ex-agent dies from fall injuries

Jeff Sperbeck, the longtime friend, business partner and former agent of John Elway, died Wednesday from injuries suffered when he fell off a golf cart reportedly being driven by the Hall of Fame quarterback. Sperbeck was 62.

The Riverside County (California) coroner confirmed Sperbeck’s death in a news release from the sheriff’s office. Sperbeck was injured Saturday night in La Quinta, California, and was declared dead early Wednesday at a Palm Springs hospital.

“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said in a statement Wednesday. “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.

“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.”

According to TMZ, Elway was driving the golf cart when Sperbeck fell off and hit his head on asphalt. Sperbeck had been sitting in the passenger seat, a source told ESPN. TMZ also reported that he had been on life support following the fall.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, though TMZ reported that there was no indication that Elway was driving negligently when Sperbeck fell after the two men and their spouses had left a party.

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck. He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, son and friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all,” the Sperbeck family said in a statement. “We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends the Elway’s and the many other clients Jeff called friends. We are grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support that we have received and ask for privacy for our family at this difficult time.”

Elway won two Super Bowls during a 16-year NFL career, all with the Denver Broncos. He later served as Broncos general manager and executive vice president and then transitioned to a consultant role until his contract expired in March 2023.

Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990. He represented more than 100 NFL players during a three-decade career as an agent and business adviser.

Sperbeck helped manage Elway’s extensive off-field business empire, which included restaurants, car dealerships and a winery; the two collaborated with winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr. in 2015 to co-found 7Cellars by John Elway.

Sperbeck also co-founded Sullivan & Sperbeck, a sports marketing firm that was acquired by Octagon in 2001. Sperbeck directed Octagon’s football division from 2001-09, when he started The NOVO Agency, a sports management firm where he served as CEO and represented dozens of current and retired NFL players and coaches. The agency merged with Rep1 Sports in 2018.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.