MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tony Sparano, the Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach, has died days before the beginning of training camp. He was 56.

The announced his death in a statement Sunday.

“Our hearts go outto Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony,'” owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony’s presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Sparano’s NFL coaching career began in 1999 with stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. He has served as the Vikings offensive line coach since 2016.

Sparano was born in West Haven, Connecticut, on Oct. 7, 1961. He played football as a starting center for the University of New Haven and is a member of the New Haven Football Hall of Fame, NFL.com reported.

Sparano has also coached the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his two sons Tony and Andrew, his daughter, Ryan Leigh, and four grandchildren.

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