THE COACH KNAPP MEMORIAL FUND

Overview

The Coach Knapp Memorial Fund, founded in honor of longtime NFL coach Greg Knapp, who tragically lost his life in 2021 after being struck by a distracted driver while the Quarterbacks Coach of the New York Jets, uses the universal platform of football to create meaningful social impact and strengthen communities. Raising awareness and support to combat distracted driving through education and advocacy.

By partnering with NFL and NCAA programs, the foundation educates players, coaches, and staff on the dangers of distracted driving, using the sport as a vehicle to amplify life-saving messages. Through initiatives like the Knapp Stair Climb and the development of a distracted driving prevention curriculum.

Results: 

WCPG’s approach is unique: honor Coach Greg Knapp’s legacy through immersive experiences like the Knapp Stair Climb, turning a simple athletic ritual into a public awareness campaign.

Since 2021, WCPG has helped facilitate partnerships across a total of 17 NFL teams and 12 NCAA Division I - III football programs to deliver education on distracted driving and player safety through the lens of an interactive experience. 

NFL Teams:

  • Jets

  • Packers

  • Colts

  • Rams

  • Texans

  • Patriots

  • 49ers

  • Broncos

  • Dolphins

  • Falcons

  • Commanders

  • Cowboys

  • Browns

  • Saints

  • Buccaneers

  • Chargers

  • Seattle

NCAA / College Teams Participation:

  • Oregon State University

  • Georgia State University

  • University of Oregon

  • University of Houston

  • Syracuse University

  • Sacramento State

  • Butler University

  • Ripon College

  • Fordham University

  • San Jose State University

  • Lenoir‑Rhyne University

  • Stanford University

The Knapp Stair Climb campaign has engaged over 500 coaches, players, and staff from multiple NFL and NCAA programs, far exceeding initial goals and demonstrating strong community buy‑in.

In 2025, WCPG helped roll out a customized distracted driving prevention curriculum, securing a major grant from Honda Motors for $100,000 to fund the creation and development of the Knapp Safe Driving Curriculum. The foundation aims to integrate this program into NFL and NCAA team operations, rookie orientations, and community outreach. Empowering athletes to model social responsibility, engage fans in meaningful conversations, and amplify safety education at a national scale.

The Coach Knapp Memorial Fund has raised over $400,000 to date through the annual Coach Knapp Stair Climb initiative, honoring Greg’s tradition and supporting distracted driving awareness and reform.