Ramapo Icon Drew Gibbs Remembered By NJ Football Community

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Drew Gibbs left behind an almost irreplaceable legacy in New Jersey high school football, evidenced by the types of people he meant something to, included former on-field competitors.

Gibbs, who died this week after emergency heart surgery, is remembered by his peers, colleagues and even political figures in the wake of his unexpected passing.

Rutgers University Head Coach Greg Schiano was one of the people memorializing Gibbs on Tuesday.

However, he was far from the only one, as statements poured in from the New Jersey football community, as well as Gov. Phil Murphy.

"Saddened by the death of Drew Gibbs, a beloved high school football coach at Ramapo. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and players," said Murphy.

Ramapo Indian Hills district officials announced his death on Tuesday, saying that he died following an emergency surgery.

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need," said Superintendent Rui Dionisio.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones. Please join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the Gibbs family in their time of sorrow."

Gibbs had been in the top job at Ramapo since 2001, and coached the team to seven sectional titles with an impressive resume of alumni, including former NFL wide receiver Chris Hogan.

Prior to moving to Ramapo, Gibbs was an assistant coach under Chuck Johnson at Ridgewood High School.

"Thoughts & Prayers to the Gibbs family & Ramapo football community on the passing of Coach Gibbs. Rest In Peace Coach," the Ridgewood football program said.

Both the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Super Football Conference also remembered Gibbs.

"The Super Football Conference extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Coach Drew Gibbs of Ramapo High School. He was a true gridiron icon in New Jersey, and it's probably impossible to overestimate his positive influence as a teacher, leader, and mentor," the Super Football Conference said, in a statement.

"Today, New Jersey scholastic sports lost a true legend. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ramapo High School's Head Football Coach Drew Gibbs. He was an educator, a mentor, and a role model, and our condolences go out to all who knew, loved, and were inspired by Coach Gibbs," the NJSIAA said.

The team is currently 10-1 with a game against Northern Highlands in the North 1, Group 4 final scheduled for Friday. However, NorthJersey.com reports that the matchup is now "in limbo."

Here are a collection of other thoughts, prayers and statements from across the state: