The Pittsburgh Steelers are placing a "DD" decal on their helmets this season to honor wide receivers coach Darryl Drake, the team announced.
We will wear this decal on our helmets this season in honor of Coach Darryl Drake. pic.twitter.com/bj6JZhH0aU
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 17, 2019
Drake died suddenly at the age of 62 on Sunday. Players were still deeply affected by the loss as their broke camp Thursday.
"I'm a better man, I'm a better husband, I'm a better son, I'm a better friend, I'm a better teammate because of Coach Drake and because of the things that he taught me," wide receiver Ryan Switzer told reporters.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shared with reporters the impact the coach had on him. Roethlisberger and Drake were often spotted chatting at length during breaks in practice action.
"I only knew him for a year and a half, but I think in that year and a half he meant more to me than some people I've known my whole life," Roethlisberger said, according to Steelers.com.