LA QUINTA, Calif. — Jeff Sperbeck, who worked closely with NFL legend John Elway as both a business associate and former agent, tragically passed away on Wednesday following an incident at a golf resort in Southern California over the weekend. He was 62 years old.
While specific details regarding the cause of death were not disclosed, it was noted by the Riverside County coroner’s office that Sperbeck sustained injuries on Saturday at The Madison Club in La Quinta. The Riverside County Fire Department reported a call to the address on that day after an individual, whose identity was not officially confirmed, fell from a golf cart. This individual was subsequently transported to a trauma center, according to spokesperson Maggie Cline De La Rosa.
The local sheriff’s department is currently investigating the golf cart incident to establish further details surrounding the event.
An eyewitness, Ali Simon, told a local news station, KESQ-TV in Palm Springs, that although she did not witness the moment of the incident, she observed a man on the ground, surrounded by others, and John Elway using his phone at the scene.
Expressing his sorrow, Elway stated, “The passing of my dear friend, business partner, and agent Jeff Sperbeck has left me absolutely devastated and heartbroken. The depth of my grief and loss cannot be conveyed through words. My heart weeps for Jeff’s wife, Cori, his children Carly, Sam, and Jackson, as well as all who cherished him. Jeff’s absence will be profoundly felt for his loyalty, wisdom, friendship, and love that touched so many lives.” Elway did not provide comments regarding his presence at the incident site in his statement.
Sperbeck began his professional relationship with Elway in 1990 while Elway was leading the Denver Broncos as their quarterback. Over a career exceeding thirty years, Sperbeck represented over 100 NFL players, providing key management and advisory services.
Sperbeck was not only renowned as Elway’s close friend and confidant but also for their collaboration in managing Elway’s significant business investments beyond the football field, which included ventures in the hospitality and automotive sectors, as well as a winery.
Among their joint projects, Sperbeck and Elway partnered with winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr. in 2015 to establish 7Cellars by John Elway. Sperbeck was instrumental in co-founding the sports marketing agency Sullivan & Sperbeck, acquired by Octagon in 2001, where he led the football division until 2009. He subsequently founded The NOVO Agency, a sports management firm where he served as CEO, representing a wide array of NFL athletes and coaches before the firm’s integration with Rep1 Sports in 2018.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sperbeck was also dedicated to numerous charitable initiatives, underscoring his commitment to giving back to the community. His death marks a significant loss to those who knew and worked with him.