Gary Briggs

Gary Briggs passed away on January 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, mentor, and lifelong caretaker of others, Gary lived a life defined not only by professional excellence, but by kindness, integrity, humor, and showing up for the people he loved.

For more than four decades, Gary built a distinguished career as one of the most respected athletic trainers in professional sports. Widely regarded as a leader in his field, he dedicated his life to the health, well-being, and trust of the athletes he served. He spent 15 seasons as head athletic trainer for the Utah Jazz, following 18 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and was present for 3,013 of a possible 3,014 preseason, regular season, and postseason NBA games (missing only one game for the birth of his daughter)—an extraordinary testament to his dedication and reliability.

Gary’s professionalism, expertise, and calm presence earned him the respect of players, coaches, and colleagues throughout the league. He was named NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1999 and served as Chairman of the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association during the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons. In recognition of his lasting contributions to the profession, he was inducted into the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He was also selected as athletic trainer for the Eastern Conference at the 1995 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix and the 1997 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland.

Born in Long Beach, California, Gary was certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in 1978. He began his career as a student assistant at the University of Florida and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Morehead State University. His early career included work at the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp in 1973, as well as serving as head athletic trainer at GlenOak High School in Canton, Ohio, and Troy State University in Alabama. He also contributed his expertise as head athletic trainer for the NCAA Division II Baseball World Series and the Blue-Gray Football Classic.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Gary’s greatest pride and joy was always his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Sue, whom he married in 1983. Gary often shared that he knew he was going to marry Sue the very first time he saw her—a story he loved to tell and one that perfectly reflected the deep love and certainty he felt throughout their marriage. He was a proud and devoted father to Ashley and Courtney, and a deeply cherished grandfather, known to his grandchildren as “Pappo,” a role he embraced with immense pride and love. He showed up consistently and wholeheartedly for his girls and his grandchildren, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Known for his dry, sarcastic sense of humor, Gary had a way of making people laugh even in difficult moments, and those who knew him well will forever miss his voice and his laugh.

A three-time high school football letterman, Gary maintained a lifelong love of sports. He was a passionate fan of the University of Utah, University of Florida, Ohio State University, and the Las Vegas Raiders, loyalties that reflected the places and chapters that shaped his life and career. Outside of sports, he enjoyed fishing, biking, and spending time outdoors.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sue; daughters Ashley and Courtney; sons-in-law Adrian and Lambert; and his three beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Briggs, his siblings, Mickie, Larry, and Don (Lorie), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Darrel Briggs. 

His impact will be felt for generations—both within the athletic training community and far beyond it. 

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 2:00–4:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor Gary’s life, legacy, and the many ways he touched those around him.

In his memory, donations may be made to the following organizations:

• The Gary Briggs Memorial Fund through the University of Utah Health Foundation, dedicated to supporting nephrology and kidney patients within U of U Health, so that others facing similar health challenges may receive care and comfort. 
• OR to the World Wildlife Fund (wwf.org), to honor Gary’s lifelong love of animals and nature.