Fate of NFL legend revealed after deadly golf cart 'accident'

Article content

John Elway won’t be facing any charges related to the death of his longtime agent and close friend, police in California have revealed.

Jeff Sperbeck, 62, died earlier this year as a result of injuries suffered after falling off the back of a golf cart being driven by Elway, a former NFL superstar quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced that its investigation found no criminal activity and ruled Sperbeck’s death an accident.

“It’s over,” Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco told 9NEWS on Friday. “We’ve talked to everyone involved and we found nothing new. There was nothing criminal, it was what we’ve been saying all along — that this was a tragic accident.”

In May, the Riverside sheriff’s coroner had ruled that Sperbeck’s death was the result of “blunt head trauma,” and classified the manner of death as an “accident.” 

TMZ reported that Elway was behind the wheel of the golf cart at the time of the incident. The outlet reported that Elway was driving the cart in La Quinta, Calif., when Sperbeck fell off the back of the moving vehicle and hit his head on asphalt.

Sperbeck was rushed to a trauma unit and placed on life support, but doctors indicated there was “no hope” he would make a recovery due to a severe brain injury. He died on April 30, four days after the incident.

According to reports, Elway, Sperbeck and their wives had attended the Stagecoach music festival earlier in the day in nearby Indio and were leaving a post-party when the tragedy occurred.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

TMZ reported that Elway made the call to 911 and, when paramedics arrived, that Sperbeck was unconscious but breathing.

There has been no indication that Elway was driving negligently.

No one else was injured in the incident, which happened on the grounds of The Madison Club, a private golf community.

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

“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.”

Sperbeck began managing Elway in 1990, when Elway was quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He represented more than 100 NFL players during a three-decade career as an agent and business adviser.

He was best known as Elway’s longtime friend, business partner and agent who helped manage the Hall of Famer’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.