For Zack Grossi, the Denver Broncos’ passing game specialist, the moment of shock came in the fall of 2024 when his life and his family’s changed in an instant.
What started as fatigue, a lingering cough, and weight loss soon revealed a chilling truth: Grossi had a yolk sac tumor, a rare and aggressive form of cancer pressing against his heart and lungs.
The diagnosis halted the momentum of a promising coaching career and set Zack and his family on a battle they never expected.
However, he navigated the problematic situation with the help of his closest supporter, his wife, Jacqueline.
Zack Grossi’s Wife Jacqueline Grossi Is The Quiet Force Behind Him
In a profession where toughness is praised and emotion is often masked, Jacqueline Grossi emerged as the steely foundation when Zack’s world began to unravel.
She was a former teacher and sales consultant turned stay-at-home mother, who holds a college degree in marketing from Golden Gate University, earned in 2015.
Zack recalled the moment he told Jacqueline about the cancer diagnosis,
“She doesn’t even blink. She says, ‘We have to kill it.’ I’m a wreck. She’s like, ‘Calm down. We just have to kill it.’ She never wavered from that. She was so positive.”
That unshakable strength comes from 16 years of standing beside Zack from college days at Concord University, where they first met, to navigating the winding road of football coaching together.
She knew Zack’s path was never easy, from working unpaid internships and late-night film reviews to coaching jobs that kept them moving and sacrificing.
So when cancer came knocking, Jacqueline did what she’d always done; she fought.
Zack Grossi Had All The Support And Help He Could Ask For
Despite battling for his life, Zack never lost touch with the game, as he watched matches from his hospital bed and listened to coaching headsets from his chemotherapy chair.
All the while, Jacqueline never left his side.
She coordinated care, managed their home, and sat by him through infusions.
She rolled Broncos-provided meals in a fridge through hospital hallways. And through it all, she remained composed.
Zack said with admiration,
“She was a bulldog. The toughest person I know.”
The Denver Broncos organization stood behind them, with customized meals, flights for family, medical coordination, and near-constant support.
But even amid this outpouring, Jacqueline’s grace and passion stood out.
She said,
“I underestimated how much they would help. They were awesome from the get-go… constant texts and encouragement. It was awesome.”
Zack Grossi Has Returned On The Sidelines
After four brutal months of treatments, Zack was back with his headset on, in the coaching booth, doing what he loves most.
But this time, every call, every play, every snap carried new meaning.
"You just appreciate every bit of what you're doing right now."
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 23, 2025
Passing Game Specialist Zack Grossi details inspiring recovery from cancer and return to coaching (via @TheAthleticDEN) » https://t.co/aoxQuMfw9I pic.twitter.com/b1AJDcKsP5
Zack said,
“There is never a moment where you’re like, ‘Man, I’m ready for this to be over.’ You’re never looking at anything like that ever again. It’s much easier to be where your feet are.”
And with Zack Grossi, there always is his wife, Jacqueline, his warrior, and his reason for his success.
