The football world has paid tribute to the father of Georgia coach Kirby Smart following his death following a fall.
Smart’s father, Sonny, fell and broke his hip on New Year’s Eve. The 76-year-old was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl and later died from complications from surgery, according to Georgia.
Smart Sr. died Saturday morning while surrounded by his family and his passing caused great sadness across sports and in Georgia.
“Horrible news this morning to learn of the passing of Sonny Smart.” “I have known Kirby for 25 years and always enjoyed my interactions with his father,” USC coach Shane Beamer wrote on social media.
‘I’m still recovering from the beating Coach Smart and my dad gave Kirby and me on the golf course in a “friendly” father-son game on the 4th of July years ago.
“My heart aches for the Smart family and we send prayers to all of them – God bless them all.”
Kirby Smart’s father Sonny (right) died after suffering complications from hip surgery
Smart, his brothers and his mother were at Sonny’s side when he died early Saturday morning.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey (right) was among those who paid tribute to Smart
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey also paid tribute to Smart with a statement about X. “Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing,” he wrote.
‘I had the privilege of visiting Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation. “Our deepest condolences to Kirby Smart and his family and to everyone who knew his father.”
Smart Sr.’s impact on Georgia football was illustrated by the words of the state’s governor, Brian P. Kemp, who said his family was “heartbroken” by the loss.
Kemp called him “an incredible father and husband and a great coach in his own right,” adding, “Sonny embodied the values and strength we should all want to have.”
According AL.comSonny was a native of Columbia, Alabama, and a high school football coach in Georgia.
He reportedly posted an overall record of 90-78-1 while coaching at Bainbridge High and Rabun County High. Before that, he coached at Holtville High School in Alabama and played college football at Samford University, according to ESPN.
“Samford Football extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the Smart family on the passing of Sonny Smart,” a statement read.
“Sonny played center for the Bulldogs and was a proud alumnus of our university.”
His death is unrelated to the terrorist attack that took place in New Orleans in the early hours of January 1, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove his truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people.