Spielman, Zimmer fight back tears when talking about Sparano

The general manager and head coach of the Minnesota Vikings met with the local media on Wednesday and discussed the recent passing of Tony Sparano.

It has only been a few days since the tragic news broke about Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano passing away. Clearly not enough time for anyone on the team to put their focus entirely back out on the field just yet.

But given the timing of Sparano’s passing, the Vikings don’t really have much time to grieve since the team’s 2018 training camp is already underway.

Minnesota held a team walk-thru on Wednesday for the players that have arrived at camp so far and afterwards general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer took some time to speak to the local media.

Spielman, fighting back tears, spoke first and much of what he said centered around Sparano and what a great person he was.

"“In his short time here with the Minnesota Vikings, Tony was such a critical part of our success. Not only as a football coach, but what he stood for as a man and the values that he gave to us.The Minnesota Vikings, we pride ourselves on being a family. Being with (Sparano’s) wife Jeanette and his family and seeing the strength that they have to go through these very tough times, from our ownership and our entire organization, I wanted to make sure that they know that they are our family and that we are there by their side and will support them anyway that we can.”"

After answering a few questions, the Vikings’ general manager stepped away from the podium and Zimmer spoke next. As soon as Minnesota’s head coach talked into the microphone, the effect Sparano’s’ passing has had on him was undeniable.

Zimmer, like Spielman, fought back the tears as he talked about his late friend and colleague.

Minnesota Vikings

"“Tony was a very good friend of mine. (An) excellent football coach. A mentor for me to be able to go in and talk to him about things in the office. He was always here very, very early in the morning as I usually am. We were able to sit down and talk about not just football. (We would) talk about life, talk about kids and things like that. So it will be hard for a few days. But we’ll get through it and we’ll get back to work and do the things we do and that’s what (Tony) would want us to do.”"

Neither Spielman or Zimmer wanted to talk about who will replacing Sparano on the coaching staff on Wednesday as they didn’t feel the time was right just yet.

During the Vikings’ walk-thru on Wednesday morning, both assistant offensive line coach Andrew Janocko and tight ends coach Clancy Barone were reportedly working with the offensive line. If Minnesota decides to promote from within, Janocko and Barone seem like two of the top candidates for the job.

Sparano’s memorial service will take place on Friday. The Vikings have canceled practice for that day so that the team can attend and support the family and friends of their late coach.