Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is opening up about his son Adam’s unexpected death in October 2022.
Mike and Adam were months removed from being fired from the Minnesota Vikings at the time.
Mike served as head coach in Minnesota from 2014 to 2021, while Adam started as linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator.
“He loved football so much and he was telling me his career was ruined because he got fired,” Zimmer said in an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune published Tuesday, September 3.
“It tore him up. I told him everybody gets fired in this job, but it was hard on him.”
Adam was working remotely from Minnesota as an assistant for the Cincinnati Bengals at the time of his death.
Police found him dead in his apartment on October 31, 2022, while serving a welfare check request. An autopsy revealed “chronic ethanol use disorder,” or excessive drinking, as the cause of his death. He was 38.
The father-son coaching duo stayed close in the months leading up to Adam’s death. Mike admitted that there are still moments — like when a picture of Adam pops up on his phone — that can be devastating.
“Every Sunday, that first year until Adam passed, we went and played golf together at Triple Crown Country Club in Union, Kentucky, right by the ranch,” he said. “He called me a couple days before he passed and said he was coming back to the ranch on Monday. He said, ‘I got one more thing to do.’ He never made it back.”
Mike added that time passing and getting back to coaching have both helped him cope with his loss. He did not coach in 2022 or 2023 as he processed what happened. He also didn’t want to take a defensive coordinator job as it would signal a step back in his career.
Mike changed his tune when the Cowboys came calling, however, and now, he confessed, he’s “having fun again.”
This is his second stint with the Cowboys, having served as a defensive coach from 1994 to 2006.
“The shame is Adam would have loved being here helping us put this defense together in Dallas,” he said. “[Long-time confidante] Paul Guenther is here with me. I kept thinking, ‘Man, I wish Adam was here with us.’ He was so smart.
When I can’t remember something or get stuck, Adam could tell me exactly what I was thinking.”
He added, “So, it’s been tough. But it helps getting around the players again. We joke around. I tease them, they tease me. Like the old days.”
The tragic loss of Adam Zimmer has deeply affected his father, Mike, who is currently the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. The unexpected death of Adam in October 2022, due to chronic ethanol use disorder, left Mike devastated. Despite the pain of losing his son, Mike has found solace in returning to coaching with the Cowboys.In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Mike opened up about the impact of Adam’s passing on his life. He shared how he and Adam used to bond over their love for football, often playing golf together and discussing football strategies. The void left by Adam’s absence is something Mike still grapples with, especially when he recalls the moments they shared.Returning to coaching with the Cowboys has been a source of comfort for Mike. He expressed that being back on the field and working with the players has helped him navigate the grief of losing Adam. Mike revealed that reconnecting with his passion for coaching has been therapeutic for him, and he is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Cowboys organization once again.As Mike continues to honor Adam’s memory, he is focused on building a strong defense with the Cowboys. He fondly remembers Adam’s intelligence and how he would often provide valuable insights into the game. Mike believes that Adam would have excelled in helping shape the defense for the Cowboys if he were still here.Despite the heartbreaking loss of Adam, Mike remains resilient and committed to his coaching career. He finds joy in being back on the field, surrounded by his players and coaching staff. Mike’s journey of healing and finding purpose in coaching serves as a testament to the enduring bond between a father and son, even in the face of tragedy.Follow us for more insightful content and updates on the latest sports news and stories. Stay tuned for more inspiring articles that aim to educate and motivate our readers. Source: Tampa Bay Times
The impact of Adam Zimmer’s unexpected passing in October 2022 continues to reverberate in the NFL community. His father, Mike Zimmer, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has been candid about the profound loss he experienced due to Adam’s chronic ethanol use disorder. The grief of losing a son has been a challenging journey for Mike, but returning to coaching has been a beacon of light in his dark days.In a recent interview with ESPN, Mike shared how coaching with the Cowboys has provided a sense of purpose and healing amidst the pain of Adam’s absence. The camaraderie with the players and his coaching staff has brought back a sense of normalcy and joy to Mike’s life. He fondly reminisced about the moments spent with Adam, discussing defensive strategies and playing golf together.Mike’s resilience in the face of tragedy is truly inspiring. Despite the heartache of losing his son, he remains dedicated to his coaching career and the pursuit of excellence on the field. The memory of Adam’s sharp intellect and football acumen continues to motivate Mike to push boundaries and build a formidable defense for the Cowboys.As Mike navigates his path of grief and healing, he serves as a beacon of strength and perseverance for those facing similar challenges. His story is a reminder of the enduring bond between a father and a son, transcending even the most profound loss. The NFL community stands in solidarity with Mike Zimmer as he honors Adam’s memory and forges ahead on his coaching journey with the Dallas Cowboys.Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from the world of sports. Follow us for insightful content and meaningful narratives that aim to uplift and inspire our readers. Source: ESPN.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
