John Elway's business partner, former agency died of fall injury

Jeff Sperbeck, a longtime friend, business partner, former agent of John Elway, died of injuries, and was reportedly driven by a golf cart by the Hall of Fame quarterback. Sperbeck is 62.

Riverside County (CA) coroner confirmed Spelbeck's death in a press release from the sheriff's office. Spelbeck was injured in La Quinta, California on Saturday night and was declared dead earlier Wednesday at Palm Springs Hospital.

“I was shocked and saddened by the death of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said in a statement Wednesday. “There is no words that really express the profound sorrow of the sudden loss of me that means a lot to me.

“My heart and deepest compassion are to Jeff’s wife Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson and everyone who knows and loves him.

According to TMZ, Elway drove a golf cart when Spelbeck fell and hit the head on asphalt. A source told ESPN that Sperbeck had been sitting in the passenger seat. TMZ also reported that he had been supporting his life after the fall.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, although TMZ reports that there is no indication that Elway was negligent when Sperbeck fell after the two and their spouses left the party.

“We are very sad to share the death of our beloved Jeff Sperbeck. He is an amazing father, husband, brother, son and many of our friends whom all miss deeply,” the Sperbeck family said in a statement. “As a family, we are saddened with what our dearest friend Elway and many other clients, what Jeff calls a friend's incredible loss. We appreciate the support we have received during this difficult time and ask our family for the support that privacy.”

Elway won two Super Bowls in the NFL 16-year career, all along with the Denver Broncos. Later, he served as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Mustang, before transitioning to consultant positions until his contract expires in March 2023.

Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990. He has represented over 100 NFL players in three decades of careers as an agent and business consultant.

Sperbeck helped manage Elway's extensive off-site business empire, which includes restaurants, car dealerships and wineries; 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 company that was acquired by Octagon in 2001. Sperbeck started in 2001-09 when he founded Novo Agency, which he founded Novo Agency, a sports management company that he is the CEO and represents current and retired NFL players and retired NFL players and coaches. The agency merged with REP1 Sports in 2018.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.