Adam Zimmer, the son of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and an assistant coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, died on October 31, 2021, at the age of 37. His cause of death was recently revealed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office as due to chronic alcohol abuse. This article will explore the tragic details of his life and death, and how his family and friends are coping with the loss.
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A Promising Career Cut Short
Adam Zimmer was born on June 5, 1984, in Dallas, Texas. He followed his father’s footsteps into the world of football, playing as a linebacker at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated in 2006 with a degree in business administration and a minor in sports management.
He began his coaching career in the same year as an assistant linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints. He worked under his father, who was the defensive coordinator at the time. He helped the Saints win their first Super Bowl title in 2009.
He then joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach from 2010 to 2013. He moved to the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, when his father became the head coach. He served as a linebackers coach and later as a co-defensive coordinator until 2020, when he and his father were both fired after a disappointing season.
In 2021, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals as an offensive analyst. He was working remotely from his home in Minnesota at the time of his death. He did not attend the Bengals’ game against the Cleveland Browns on October 31, 2021.
A Struggle with Alcohol Addiction
According to multiple reports, Adam Zimmer had been battling with alcohol addiction for years. He had been arrested twice for driving under the influence, once in 2007 and once in 2013. He had also been involved in a car accident in 2016 that left him with a broken nose and a concussion.
He had tried to seek help for his problem, but he could not overcome it. His sister, Corri Zimmer White, revealed in an Instagram post that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety as well.
On October 31, 2021, police officers were performing a welfare check on Adam Zimmer at his apartment in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. They had received an alert about a man who was unconscious after possibly drinking excessively. When they arrived, they found him dead on his couch. He had also suffered an eye injury that appeared to be caused by bruising or blood pooling.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on December 17, 2021, that his cause of death was due to complications of chronic ethanol use disorder. Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Chronic ethanol use disorder is a condition characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption, loss of control over drinking, and negative emotional states when not drinking.
A Legacy of Love and Respect
Despite his personal struggles, Adam Zimmer was loved and respected by many people in the football community. He was known for his kindness, generosity, passion, and loyalty. He had a close bond with his father and his sister, who both expressed their grief and shock over his death.
His father, Mike Zimmer, released a statement through the Vikings on November 1, 2021, saying:
“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of our son Adam yesterday. Adam was always full of life and loved being around people. He was passionate about football and always eager to learn new things. He had a bright future ahead of him as a coach and we are proud of everything he accomplished. We appreciate all the love and support we have received from our family, friends, and the entire NFL community during this difficult time.”
His sister, Corri Zimmer White, posted a tribute on her Instagram on November 2, 2021, saying:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this. I lost my big brother yesterday. The kindest, sweetest, family loving, sports obsessed soul there ever was. My heart is shattered and it hurts so bad. I don’t know how to juggle being a mom to one year old twin boys and the grief of losing my brother so unexpectedly. I’m so lost, I’m so overwhelmed, I’m so heartbroken.”
She also shared some photos and videos of Adam with her sons, who were born in September 2020.
Many of Adam’s former colleagues and players also expressed their condolences and memories of him on social media. Some of them include:
- Sean Payton , head coach of the New Orleans Saints: “Adam was someone who always brought energy and enthusiasm to work each day. He was a great young coach who worked hard to improve himself and those around him.”
- Eric Kendricks , linebacker of the Minnesota Vikings: “Adam was a great coach and an even better person. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He taught me a lot about the game and life. I will miss him dearly.”
- Anthony Barr , linebacker of the Minnesota Vikings: “Adam was one of the first people who believed in me and helped me grow as a player and a person. He was always there for me, no matter what. He was more than a coach, he was a friend and a brother.”
- Joe Burrow , quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals: “Adam was a great addition to our team this year. He brought a lot of knowledge and insight to our offense. He was always willing to help and share his ideas. He was a good man and a good coach.”
A Reminder of the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Adam Zimmer’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, after tobacco and poor diet and physical inactivity. In 2019, an estimated 95,000 Americans died from alcohol-related causes, including liver disease, cancer, accidents, and violence.
Alcohol abuse and addiction can also have serious consequences for one’s physical, mental, and social health. Some of the common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and addiction include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Having trouble cutting down or stopping drinking
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Craving or having a strong urge to drink
- Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home because of drinking
- Continuing to drink despite having problems with family, friends, or health because of drinking
- Giving up or reducing important activities because of drinking
- Getting into dangerous situations while drinking or after drinking
- Developing tolerance or needing more alcohol to get the same effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, there is hope and help available. You can contact the following resources for more information and support:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for people with substance use disorders and mental health issues.
- The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator: This is an online tool that helps you find alcohol treatment options near you based on your preferences and needs.
- The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) website: This is a worldwide fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. You can find local meetings and online meetings on their website.
- The Al-Anon Family Groups website: This is a worldwide fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problems. You can find local meetings and online meetings on their website.
Remember that you are not alone, and that recovery is possible. You can overcome alcohol abuse and addiction with the right treatment and support.
Conclusion
Adam Zimmer was a talented and respected football coach who died at the age of 37 due to chronic alcohol abuse. His death has left behind a legacy of love and respect from his family, friends, colleagues, and players. His death has also raised awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction, and the need for more prevention and intervention efforts. We hope that his story will inspire others to seek help if they are struggling with alcohol problems, and to live healthier and happier lives.
