Cincinnati Bengals offensive analyst Adam Zimmer has died unexpectedly, his family members confirmed on social media.
The 38-year-old was the son of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who led the NFC North outfit from 2014 to 2021. Zimmer had worked closely with his father for several NFL franchises, including the Bengals and Vikings.
Zimmer had been working remotely with the Bengals after returning to the franchise but was reportedly not in attendance for the loss to the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. Details of his death have not been revealed but the tragic news was confirmed by Cincinnati in an announcement.
On Tuesday, Bengals owner Mike Brown released a statement about Zimmer, who previously worked in Cincinnati when his father was the team's defensive coordinator from 2008 until 2013. Brown’s statement read: “Our organisation has had the privilege of knowing and working with the Zimmer family for 15 years.
“We have the highest regard for Mike and Adam, and we are incredibly saddened by this tragic news. Mike and Adam were more than just coaches for us – they were friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmer family at this time.”
Back in July, Zimmer returned to the Bengals franchise after eight years working under his father in Minnesota. He began his coaching career in 2006 as an assistant linebacker coach with the New Orleans Saints, and was part of the staff as the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV.
His mother, Vikki, passed away unexpectedly in 2009 at just 50 years of age, and Zimmer’s passing is another unfortunate tragedy for the gamily. His sister Corri posted several pictures on Instagram along with an emotional tribute to her brother.
“I can't believe I'm writing this,” her post began. “I lost my big brother yesterday.
“The kindest, sweetest, family loving, sports obsessed soul there ever was. I've felt pain like this once before but it's been a while and I didn't know I was able to feel like this again. My heart is shattered and it hurts so bad. I don't know how to juggle being a mom to one year old twin boys and the grief of losing my brother so unexpectedly. I'm so lost, I'm so overwhelmed, I'm so heartbroken.
“My brother was one of my best friends, especially after my mom died, we became so close. He was always there for me and always the first to show up and volunteer at my foundation events… I never even had to ask.
“Always telling me what a good job I did and how proud he was of me. His support and love for me was SO big and I hope he knew how much I loved him. In the last year he told me countless times how he loved watching me be a mom and how proud he was of me. Please pray for our family as we try to navigate through this. Lord, we need your strength now more than ever. Please don't let us lose faith.”
