Adam Zimmer, Cincinnati Bengals offensive analyst, died unexpectedly, his family revealed on social media.
The 38-year-old is the son of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who managed the NFC North team from 2014 to 2021. Zimmer had previously worked closely with his father for multiple NFL teams, including the Bengals and Vikings.
Zimmer had been working remotely for the Bengals since his return, but he was apparently not present for Monday night’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. The details of his death have not been divulged, but Cincinnati confirmed the devastating news in an announcement.
On Tuesday, Bengals owner Mike Brown issued a statement regarding Zimmer, who previously worked in Cincinnati as his father was the team’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2013. Brown stated, “Our organization has had the privilege of knowing and working with the Zimmer family for 15 years.”
“We have the utmost admiration for Mike and Adam, and we are deeply grieved by the unfortunate news. Mike and Adam were more than mentors to us; they were friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmer family right now.
Zimmer returned to the Bengals in July following an eight-year stint working for his father in Minnesota. He began his coaching career in 2006 as an assistant linebacker coach with the New Orleans Saints, where he helped the team win Super Bowl XLIV.
His mother, Vikki, died abruptly in 2009 at the age of 50, and Zimmer’s death is another tragic loss for the family. His sister Corri uploaded many photos on Instagram, along with an emotional homage to her brother.
“The nicest, sweetest, family-oriented, sports-obsessed person there ever was. I’ve had pain like this before, but it’s been a long time, and I didn’t realize I could experience it again. My heart is destroyed, and it aches so much. I’m not sure how to balance being a mother to one-year-old twin boys with the pain of losing my brother so suddenly. I’m so lost, overwhelmed, and heartbroken.
“My brother was one of my best buddies, especially after my mother died; we got really close. He consistently supported me and was the first to volunteer at my foundation activities. I never had to ask.
