Jeff Sperbeck, the longtime agent and business partner of NFL Hall of Famer John Elway, tragically passed away on April 30, 2025, following a golf cart accident that left him with severe injuries. The incident occurred on April 26 at The Madison Club in La Quinta, California, during a post-Stagecoach party attended by Elway, Sperbeck, their wives, and Elway's son.
According to reports from TMZ Sports, Sperbeck, 62, fell off the back of a golf cart being driven by Elway, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was placed on life support. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead early Wednesday morning.
Elway, who enjoyed a storied 16-year career with the Denver Broncos, expressed his profound sorrow in a statement. “I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck,” Elway said. “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.”
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office has opened an investigation into the incident, which is ongoing. Lt. Deirdre Vickers, the department's public information officer, confirmed that they were informed of the fall on April 28, two days after the accident. While details surrounding the cause of Sperbeck's fall remain limited, reports indicate that there was no initial evidence of negligence on Elway's part.
The Madison Club, where the accident took place, is a high-profile private country club known for its celebrity clientele and proximity to major music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach. It features an 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio.
Sperbeck had been a significant figure in Elway's life since he began managing him in 1990. Over the years, he represented more than 100 NFL players and was instrumental in building Elway's extensive off-field business empire, which included restaurants, car dealerships, and the co-founding of a winery, 7Cellars, in 2013. This venture was a collaboration with winemaker Rob Mondavi Jr., producing premium wines from California.
In addition to his work with Elway, Sperbeck had a distinguished career in sports management, having directed Octagon’s football division and later founding The NOVO Agency, which represented numerous current and retired NFL players and coaches.
The Sperbeck family released a heartfelt statement mourning his loss, saying, “We are grieving this unimaginable loss as a family alongside our dearest friends the Elways and the many other clients Jeff called friends.” They expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Elway, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, is remembered not only for his remarkable achievements on the field—leading the Broncos to Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999—but also for his contributions to the franchise as a general manager and executive vice president. He served in various roles within the organization until stepping down in early 2021.
The news of Sperbeck's passing has reverberated throughout the NFL community, with many reflecting on his loyalty, wisdom, and the friendship he shared with Elway and others. His impact extended beyond the football field, touching the lives of many athletes and their families.
As the investigation into the circumstances of the accident continues, the focus remains on the legacy of Jeff Sperbeck—a dedicated agent, loving family man, and cherished friend. His contributions to the sport and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.
