The New York Jets announced heartbreaking and horrible news on Friday afternoon.
New York’s director of football systems, Matthew Capogrosso, passed away. The team announced that the longtime Jets staffer died after a two-year battle with cancer.
“We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of Matthew Capogrosso, our director of football systems. Please join us in sending our love to the Caporosso family,” the Jets tweeted.
We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of Matthew Capogrosso, our director of football systems.
Please join us in sending our love to the Capogrosso family 💚
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 14, 2023
Several within the Jets organization commended on Capogrosso’s passing.
Woody Johnson, team owner:
“Matthew was an intricate part of our organization. He was a brilliant programmer but an even better person who loved the Jets and played an essential role in our draft operations every year. A key member of our best-in-class IT department, Matthew embodied everything you want in a teammate and a friend.”
Tom Murphy, VP of IT:
“He was an amazing person and an amazing developer. We both would arrive early at the office, and we’d have so many different conversations about the Jets, his family and life. He was a wonderful talent who will be missed.”
Joe Douglas, general manager:
“The system he created allows us to work seamlessly across our scouting operations. He was a programmer that understood football and could anticipate what made sense for the next iteration of the system before a football person could ask.”
Others around the NFL world offered condolences as well.
“How sad. Condolences,” veteran reporter Jeannine Edwards tweeted.
How sad. Condolences https://t.co/BUrjDlEult
— Jeannine Edwards (@jeanninee12) April 14, 2023
Ed Werder sent condolences to the team as well.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/CmzBpXWuzT
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 14, 2023
Additionally, former Jet Anthony Becht spoke on the tragic passing. “Prayers up to the Capogrosso and Jet family. Too young… Too soon. #RIP,” Becht tweeted.
Prayers up to the Capogrosso and Jet family. Too young…Too soon #RIP🙏🏼💚 https://t.co/pOtyHhdY9S
— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) April 14, 2023
Capogrosso was a native of Netcong, New Jersey. Capogrosso attended Muhlenberg College and then Penn State University, where he received a master’s degree in computer science. He held a job within the organization for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, Courtney, and two children, Jude and Leighton.
The team announced that Capogrosso’s spot in their IT room will be vacated. Best wishes to the entire Capogrosso family as they deal with this significant loss.
