Vikings cancel Friday practice to attend memorial service for Tony Sparano
Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano passed away unexpectedly this past Sunday. He was 56. On Tuesday, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Vikings have cancelled Friday’s practice to attend Sparano’s memorial service.
The #Vikings have canceled training camp practice on Friday, July 27, due to the memorial service for Tony Sparano, who passed away this Sunday morning. Those involved with the team will attend.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2018
Sparano, the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2008-11, joined the Vikings in 2016. He had coached in the NFL since 1999.
After his passing Sunday, the Vikings released a statement.
“Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony,” said owners Mark and Zygi Wilf. “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. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts.”
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