SANTA CLARA — Reggie Cobb, a 49ers scout the past decade and a former NFL running back, died unexpectedly Saturday, the team announced. He was 50.
Among those leading an outpouring of grief and condolences was 49ers general manager John Lynch, who played with Cobb on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993.
“We are devastated by the sudden loss of a tremendous teammate and loyal friend, Reggie Cobb,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said in a statement released by the team. “Reggie was an enthusiastic and passionate person who had a special ability to brighten up a room with his personality and infectious smile.”
In 1993, Lynch was a rookie safety out of Stanford and Cobb was coming off a 1,171-yard rushing season as the Bucs’ 1990 second-round draft pick.
“For 10 years, the 49ers were better because of Reggie and these unique qualities that he possessed,” Lynch added. “He was a top-notch scout and an exemplary man whose years of service to this organization and the National Football League will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of mourning.”
Jed York, the 49ers CEO, also expressed his condolences, tweeting: “Unbelievably sad. Reggie was a great man with a huge, warm smile. We’re praying for his family and friends.”
Stunned 49ers players shared their grief via social media, too.
“My heart is heavy right now! This is the guy that gave me hope and light!” running back Raheem Mostert tweeted. “He believed in me when very few did! I am forever grateful to have learned and absorb so much from him! Thank you Regg!!”
My heart is heavy right now! This is the guy that gave me hope and light! He believed in me when very few did! I am forever grateful to have learned and absorb so much from him! Thank you Regg!! https://t.co/bt8Z2YgiqR
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) April 20, 2019
Added running back Jerick McKinnon: “We was just talking the other day can’t believe this news. Rest Easy Reggie you will be missed dearly.”
We was just talking the other day can’t believe this news. Rest Easy Reggie you will be missed dearly. 🙏🏾
— Jerick Mckinnon (@JetMckinnon1) April 20, 2019
Aw man this hurt me man. I appreciate you every talk you’ve given me! You help me find my way when I was in some of my darkest times. Rest Easy 🙏🏾! https://t.co/o22b1TR4z2
— Jeffery Wilson (@jeffwilsonjr) April 20, 2019
Just talked to the man a day ago 😞😞. RIP and many condolences to the family so sorry for your loss https://t.co/XVwHl7GwMo
— RB 3000 (@superblair) April 20, 2019
Martin Mayhew, a 49ers vice president of player personnel, tweeted: “I lost a great friend and former teammate today. I was also blessed to have him as a colleague with the 49ers. My heart is heavy right now. He will be missed.”
😔😔 RIP!! 😓
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@BournePoly11) April 20, 2019
damn!! RIP reggie! much love from 18 😔🙏🏽 https://t.co/mkd07Ivedl
— dante (@dmainy_13) April 20, 2019
Unbelievably sad. Reggie was a great man with a huge, warm smile. We’re praying for his family and friends. https://t.co/NBoEe6LnjI
— Jed York (@JedYork) April 20, 2019
Cobb’s colleagues around the NFL and college football mourned on social media about his unexpected passing, possibly from a heart attack.
The passing of Reggie Cobb in a word is devastating. The amount of time I spent w/him as a scout & friend over the past 18 years simply talking ball & laughing as hard as I have ever laughed is what I will keep with me forever. Rest easy RC & prayers to his family. I love you.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 20, 2019
Just found out friend and 49ers scout Reggie Cobb died of a heart attack last night. RIP Reggie. He was a good player and better person. His smile and presence will be missed.
— AngryScoutVet (@NotSoAngryScout) April 20, 2019
Very saddened by the news of Reggie Cobb’s passing this morning. He was a Great guy and always so much fun to be around. His friends will miss him.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 20, 2019
Cobb joined the 49ers personnel department 10 years ago, and he earned NFL Scout of the Year honors in 2011 by the Fritz Pollard Alliance. He also worked as a scout for Washington and Tampa Bay, the latter of whom he played for from 1990-94.
Cobb has drawn praise from Lynch in recent drafts, the next of which will take place next Thursday through Saturday.
Cobb finished his career with Green Bay, Jacksonville and the New York Jets.. He left the University of Tennessee ranked third among its all-time leading rushers.
