The NFL is mourning the loss of one of its great players and coaches. Dan Reeves passed away on Saturday at the age of 77.

Munich/Atlanta – Dan Reeves passed away on Saturday at the age of 77.

A statement released by his family through former Atlanta Falcons director of media relations Aaron Salkin said Reeves died as a result of dementia. The statement reported he died “peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in Atlanta”.

“His legacy will live on through his many friends, players and fans, as well as the rest of the NFL community,” the family said.

Dan Reeves: successful in the NFL as a player and coach

Reeves was a highly versatile running back in his playing days, playing a key role in helping the Dallas Cowboys become a powerhouse under Tom Landry in the 1960s, winning Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins – the first in franchise history.

He was only 37 when he took over as coach of the Denver Broncos in 1981 and built a team around quarterback John Elway that went to the Super Bowl three times in his 12-year tenure.

His coaching career spanned three teams and 23 seasons with the Broncos (1981-1992), New York Giants (1993-1996) and Falcons (1997-2003). He became the third coach in NFL history to lead three different teams to the playoffs.

Football world mourns Dan Reeves

In a statement, the Broncos shared, “We are saddened by the passing of Ring of Fame Head Coach Dan Reeves, who led us to three Super Bowl appearances. We extend our sincere condolences to his family.”

Falcons owner Arthur Blank also offered condolences to Reeves’ family.

“Dan Reeves leaves a lasting legacy in our game as players and coaches. His decades-long record of success in Dallas, Denver, New York and Atlanta speaks for itself and represents a long and successful life and career in football,” Blank was quoted as saying in a statement:

“On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons, I extend our condolences to Dan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing. “