FCA is saddened to hear of the death of Dan Reeves, highly respected NFL coach and longtime friend of FCA. Reeves was 77 years old and went to be with the Lord at his home in Atlanta, Georgia earlier in the month.

“We mourn the passing of Coach Reeves, but rejoice that he is with our Savior,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “Dan loved the Lord, was a man of integrity, an amazing coach, committed husband and father and a great partner and friend to FCA. Generations of players are better men, husbands, fathers and leaders due to the influence Coach Reeves has had on their lives.”

Reeves, a Super Bowl legend with a 201-174-2 NFL coaching record overall, made a remarkable impact on football history. Reeves is one of only 10 coaches to have won at least 190 regular-season games in his career, and he guided two teams—the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons—to the Super Bowl. Reeves was also the head coach of the New York Giants for four seasons.

Reeves joined the NFL in 1965 as a rookie for the Dallas Cowboys, which kicked off an eight-year career that included the longest completion in the fabled Ice Bowl—a 50-yard touchdown to Lance Rentzel on a halfback pass.

As a lifelong supporter of FCA, speaking and sharing Christ with others, Reeves exemplified the meaning of a true Christian, stating, “Jesus Christ is first, others are second, [and] I am third.” A frequent speaker at FCA events, Reeves was a firm believer in the power of sports in pointing coaches and athletes towards a better relationship with Christ.

“Coach was a friend and faithful ministry partner,” said Bob Wiedemann, FCA Divisional VP South US. “He loved Jesus! His impact on countless young men continues to bear fruit today.”

-FCA-

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and The New York Times