Bengals mourn loss

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

As the subdued Bengals took the field for practice Friday morning in Paul Brown Stadium, they grappled with the news that Vikki Zimmer, the wife of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, suddenly passed away Thursday.

“We are stunned and saddened to learn of Vikki’s passing,” said Bengals president Mike Brown in a statement Friday morning. “She was a warm and popular person in the Bengals family, and our immense respect and affection for Mike makes this especially hard. Our hearts are out to Mike and his family.”

The vivacious Vikki Zimmer became one of the unseen stars of Hard Knocks this summer as the very nice lady who made all sorts of weekly snacks for the players coached by her demanding yet popular husband. Chocolate chip cookies. Oatmeal raisin. Snickerdoodles. After she made cinnamon rolls one week, she said she also liked to make sure she made a massive fruit tray every once in awhile.

"Mike tells me, 'Those kids work so hard and so long. They really like it when you make them that stuff,' " Vikki Zimmer said last month. "They're worried about putting on weight, so I want to make it a little bit healthy but he tells me they destroy whatever it is no matter what they say."

The Zimmers were married for 27 years and have three children. Vikki Zimmer was born in Layton, Utah. They met during Mike’s coaching tenure (1981-88) at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Their oldest child, Adam Zimmer, is an assistant linebackers coach for the Saints.

Police say Mike came home Thursday evening and found his 50-year-old wife dead and called 9-1-1.

“Mike is part of our Bengals family, and we’ll support him in every way we can,” said head coach Marvin Lewis in the same statement. “We will dearly miss Vikki. She was a friend to all of us, and a big supporter of Mike’s players. Her thoughtfulness to them in so many ways will also be greatly missed.”

In just his second season as the Bengals coordinator, Zimmer’s defense has been at the focal point of the club’s 3-1 start with a unit that is giving up just 19 points per game.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Wow, how sudden and sad. Prayers, thoughts and condolences to everyone in the extended Bengals family especially Coach Zimmer.

C'mon defense, win one Sunday for Vikki and coach Zim!

 

[420]

I saw a shot in the locker room after the Ravens game, and Marvin Lewis gave the game ball to Zimmer, who called an amazing defensive game. Real class act there.

Best wishes to him and his family.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

I saw a shot in the locker room after the Ravens game, and Marvin Lewis gave the game ball to Zimmer, who called an amazing defensive game. Real class act there.

Best wishes to him and his family.

Yeah, I've seen that several times. You could tell everybody was about ready to cry. Defense definitely stepped up for Zim.

 

[EaglesUK]

Condolences to Zimmer. Great ambassador for the NFL.

 

[qu4kePL]

very tragic loss.