Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach Darryl Drake died early Sunday, the franchise announced through a statement.

Drake was 62.

Drake, a Kentucky native who graduated from Western Kentucky, was entering his second season with the franchise as the Steelers' wide receivers coach and also served as the wide receivers coach with the Bears and Cardinals previously. Before jumping to the NFL, Drake was on Mack Brown's first staff at Texas (1998-2003), grooming the best receiving corps in school history.

Steelers President Art Rooney II put out the following statement on Sunday: "We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake’s passing this morning. Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career. He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin released a statement as well, saying, " Darryl was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, and it is difficult to put into words the grief our entire team is going through right now.

"Darryl loved the game of football and every player he ever coached. We will use our faith to guide us and help his family throughout the difficult time. My heart and our prayers are with his wife, Sheila, and Darryl’s entire family."

According to NFL.com:

Drake spent 21 seasons coaching in college prior to entering the NFL coaching ranks. He made stops at Western Kentucky (1983-91), Georgia (1992-96), Baylor (1997) and Texas (1998-2003). Before he turned to coaching, Drake was a wide receiver at Western Kentucky in the mid-1970s. He participated in two training camps as a player with the Washington Redskins (1979) and Cincinnati Bengals (1983).

The Steelers have reportedly cancelled their practice sessions for Sunday and Saint Vincent College is closed.