Greg Patrick, a former USFL and Arizona Wildcats assistant coach, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2023, at the age of 53. His cause of death was not immediately known. Patrick was a passionate and dedicated coach who spent time and energy giving back to his students on the football field. He also had several successful stints as a defensive coordinator at local Arizona high schools. In this article, we will pay tribute to his life and legacy as a coach and mentor.
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A Brief Biography of Greg Patrick
Patrick was born and raised in Ohio, where he developed his love for football. He starred at Brown University of the Ivy League in the late 1980s and 1990s, before playing in the Canadian Football League. He then pursued his coaching career, working as an assistant coach for various teams in the USFL, including the New Orleans Breakers last season. He also served as a defensive analyst and defensive line coach for the Arizona Wildcats under former head coach Kevin Sumlin from 2019 to 2020. According to Fox News1, he was briefly promoted to defensive line coach when Sumlin fired Iona Uiagalelei.
The Impact of Greg Patrick on His Players
Patrick was more than just a coach to his players; he was a father figure who cared deeply about their well-being both on and off the field. He believed that every person deserved respect regardless of ability or experience level, which made him popular among teams he coached at all levels—from youth leagues up to college athletics programs at UA. He made an effort to get to know each individual player no matter what position they played or how talented they were as athletes. He focused on preparing young players for their future by sharing his knowledge of football strategy with them. He also took an interest in their personal lives, checking in with them about their academic progress or having conversations about life outside of football. According to Bareilly College2, he dedicated extra time after class to developing relationships with players over dinner or coffee.
Many former students have shared their stories and memories of Patrick on social media, expressing their gratitude and admiration for him. They speak of how he inspired them, motivated them, and supported them throughout their careers. They also recall how he made them laugh, smile, and have fun while playing the game they loved.
The Legacy of Greg Patrick
Patrick leaves behind an incredible legacy that will live on through all those he touched throughout his career as a coach. He was an exceptional role model whose passion for coaching was unparalleled. He taught his players not only how to play football, but also how to live with integrity, humility, and compassion. He impacted countless lives in Arizona and beyond, leaving a lasting impression on the football community.
Even though we mourn his passing today, it is clear that Patrick’s impact will live on through those he taught and inspired throughout his lifetime as a mentor and educator in Arizona football programs. He will be missed and remembered as a professional who shared a passion for the game and his community.
Rest in peace, Coach Patrick. Thank you for everything you did for us.
