Vikki Zimmer was the wife of Mike Zimmer, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. She died unexpectedly at her home in 2009, leaving behind a husband and three children. Her death was a tragic loss for the Zimmer family and the Cincinnati Bengals, where Mike Zimmer was the defensive coordinator at the time. In this article, we will explore the cause of Vikki Zimmer’s death, how she impacted the Bengals’ players and coaches, and how Mike Zimmer coped with the tragedy.
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Vikki Zimmer Died of Natural Causes
According to FOX19, the Hamilton County Coroner determined that Vikki Zimmer died of natural causes on Oct. 8, 2009. She was 50 years old at the time of her death. The coroner did not specify what kind of natural causes led to her passing, but it was reported that she had some health issues in the past.
Vikki Zimmer’s death came as a shock to everyone who knew her, especially her husband Mike, who had been married to her for 27 years. They met in the late 70s and got married in 1982. They had two sons, Adam and Markieth, and a daughter, Corri.
Vikki Zimmer Was the “Mom” of the Bengals’ Defense
Vikki Zimmer was not just a supportive wife to Mike Zimmer, but also a beloved figure among the Cincinnati Bengals’ players and coaches. She was often present at the Bengals’ facilities, baking treats for the defensive players on Mondays following a victory. She also wrote motivational notes to the players before games, encouraging them to play hard and have fun.
The Bengals’ players and coaches adored Vikki Zimmer for her kindness, generosity, and warmth. She was considered the “mom” of the defense because of how closely she was related to them. After her death, many of them expressed their grief and condolences on social media and in interviews. They also attended her funeral to pay their respects and offer some comfort to Mike Zimmer.
Mike Zimmer Shined Through Adversity
Despite losing his wife in the middle of the 2009 season, Mike Zimmer did not let his grief affect his performance as a coach. He decided to coach the Bengals’ defense in their next game against the Baltimore Ravens, just four days after Vikki’s death. He dedicated the game to her memory and led the Bengals to a 17-14 win over their division rivals.
Mike Zimmer’s courage and resilience inspired his players and colleagues, who rallied around him in his time of need. He received an outpouring of support from across the NFL community, including from his former teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons. He also won the Assistant Coach of the Year award for his work as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator that year.
Mike Zimmer later became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, a job he still holds today. He has led the Vikings to three playoff appearances and one NFC Championship Game. He has also overcome other challenges in his career, such as an emergency eye surgery in 2016 that forced him to miss one game. Through it all, he has never forgotten his wife Vikki, who remains in his heart and mind.
Conclusion
Vikki Zimmer cause of death was a natural one that occurred at her home in 2009. She was a loving wife to Mike Zimmer and a caring mother to their three children. She was also a cherished member of the Cincinnati Bengals’ family, who treated her like their own mother. Her death was a devastating blow to Mike Zimmer, who showed remarkable strength and determination in coaching through his pain. He has since become one of the most respected and successful coaches in the NFL, but he always remembers his wife Vikki and honors her legacy.
