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John Elway releases heartfelt statement on death of longtime business partner Jeff Sperbeck

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/30/25•

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Hall of Fame Denver Broncos QB John Elway
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

After the death of his longtime business partner Jeff Sperbeck following injuries suffered in a golf cart accident, John Elway released a statement. The Denver Broncos legend was reportedly driving the cart at the time Sperbeck fell out.

According to TMZ, Elway was driving the cart when Sperbeck fell from the passenger seat and hit his head on the asphalt. The longtime NFL agent was unconscious, but still breathing, when paramedics arrived and was eventually taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. TMZ also reported there is no indication of wrongdoing on Elway’s part.

Sperbeck then went on life support before his death Wednesday. In his statement, Elway reflected on his relationship with his close friend and expressed condolences to his family.

“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway wrote, via ESPN’s 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.”

ESPN confirmed Sperbeck was sitting in the passenger seat at the time of the fall. While the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, TMZ reported there isn’t any indication Elway was driving negligently.

Elway, Sperbeck and their wives had been at the Stagecoach music festival earlier in the day, according to TMZ. They were leaving a post-festival party when the accident happened.

Elway and Sperbeck remained business partners long after the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s playing career. They started 7Cellars wine together in 2013 and work together with Elway restaurants. Sperbeck has been an NFL agent to more than 100 players, coaches and executives.

John Elway, 64, won two Super Bowls during his 16-year career with the Denver Broncos. He served as the team’s general manager from 2011-2022 and later became director of football operations in 2021 before transitioning to a consultant role until his contract expired in March 2023.

On3’s Nick Geddes and Steve Samra contributed to this report.