Jeff Sperbeck, the long-time agent and close friend of NFL legend John Elway, has sadly passed away at the age of 62 after a devastating golf cart accident.
Sperbeck was injured in a fall from the cart, which Elway was driving, on the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The two were attending a Stagecoach music festival after-party in La Quinta, California, when the accident occurred, and the world of sports has been left in mourning.
The Fall That Changed Everything
Sperbeck, who had been traveling with his wife and Elway and his wife, fell off the back of the moving golf cart.
Tragically, he hit his head on the asphalt after rolling off, causing a severe brain injury.
Despite immediate efforts to save him, doctors later confirmed that there was “no hope” for recovery.
Sperbeck was placed on life support after being rushed to a local trauma unit.
Four days after the accident, Sperbeck succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning at 1:10 a.m. local time.
Details of the Incident and Response
The accident took place around 7 p.m. as the group was leaving the after-party at the Madison Club, located just six miles from the Empire Polo Club, the venue for the Stagecoach festival.
Elway reportedly called 911 himself before paramedics arrived.
Emergency services, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, were quickly on the scene.
Sperbeck was unconscious but still breathing when paramedics arrived.
He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, but doctors soon delivered the grim news to his family.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emotional Reactions
An eyewitness described the heartbreaking scene, noting how Sperbeck’s wife was overcome with grief. “It was so sad, and our hearts go out to the families,” the witness said.
The scene was chaotic, with people surrounding Sperbeck and trying to assist as they awaited help.
“His wife was hysterical,” the eyewitness added, expressing just how shocking the experience was for everyone involved.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, within five minutes of the call, and worked tirelessly to stabilize Sperbeck.
A Storied Relationship Between Elway and Sperbeck
The bond between John Elway and Jeff Sperbeck was not just professional but also deeply personal.
Sperbeck had managed Elway’s business affairs for decades, beginning in 1990, and played a key role in the NFL star’s post-retirement ventures.
Together, they co-founded the wine company 7Cellars in 2013, a business venture that blended their friendship with their shared passion for fine wine.
As a player, Elway is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos, widely regarded as a hero in Colorado.
His career, which spanned 16 years, saw him lead the Broncos to victory in back-to-back Super Bowls during his final two seasons.
Sperbeck, on the other hand, was known throughout the NFL for his long career as an agent, representing over 100 players and later growing the Rep 1 Sports agency after merging with Novo in 2017.
A Legacy of Friendship and Professionalism
Jeff Sperbeck’s legacy extends beyond his work with Elway.
Over the course of his 30-year career, he became a respected figure in the sports agency world, crafting successful careers for numerous NFL players.
His impact on the sport and his lasting friendship with Elway will not be forgotten, and his untimely passing has left a hole in the lives of those who knew him.
As fans, friends, and family remember Sperbeck, Elway and others in the sports world mourn the loss of a man who was not only a professional powerhouse but also a dear friend to many.
His influence on the NFL, and his work behind the scenes, helped shape the careers of many.