Former NFL Agent Jeff Sperbeck Dies After Tragic Golf Cart Accident Involving John Elway

LA QUINTA, Calif. — Jeff Sperbeck, a longtime NFL agent and business partner of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, died early Wednesday morning following a catastrophic fall from a golf cart driven by Elway. The incident occurred Saturday, April 26, 2025, at The Madison Club, a private country club in La Quinta, California, leaving Sperbeck, 62, with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.

The accident took place as Elway, Sperbeck, their wives, and Elway’s son were leaving a post-Stagecoach Music Festival party. Sources report that Sperbeck was riding on the back of the golf cart when he fell, striking his head on the asphalt and sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Elway, 64, immediately called 911, and paramedics found Sperbeck unconscious but breathing. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts, doctors informed Sperbeck’s family that recovery was unlikely, and preparations were made for organ donation prior to his passing.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, though no evidence suggests Elway was driving recklessly. The accident occurred on private property, and police were not initially called to the scene, according to TMZ Sports.

Authorities have not indicated whether Elway will face charges.

Sperbeck, a prominent figure in sports representation, served as Elway’s agent starting in 1990, guiding the quarterback through his storied career with the Denver Broncos, which included back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999. Over three decades, Sperbeck represented over 100 NFL players, including stars like Jim Plunkett, Trent Dilfer, and Ronnie Lott. Beyond sports, he and Elway deepened their partnership by co-founding 7Cellars winery in 2013, a venture named after Elway’s iconic jersey number.

Elway, who also served as the Broncos’ general manager from 2011 to 2020, is reportedly devastated by the loss of his close friend. Witnesses described Elway as visibly shaken at the scene, frantically calling for help as bystanders attended to Sperbeck. “He was on the phone trying to call 911, call anyone,” said Ali Simon, a witness, in an interview with KRDO.

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