Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer could have skipped the Bengals' key AFC North game at Baltimore Sunday and not a single person would have blamed him. Instead, just three days after the sudden death of his wife, Vikki, Zimmer helped orchestrate a splendid effort by his defense that led Cincinnati to a surprising 17-14 win.In his postgame press conference, someone asked Bengals coach Marvin Lewis what Zimmer told the team after the game.
"He said, 'You know how Vikki felt about all of you. She's up there now in heaven smiling at you,' " Lewis recalled. "Win or lose, she loved these guys. I was in their house on Thursday afternoon, and there were Post-it notes all around, treats for the players, and I reminded those guys of that Friday morning. I said that they were always on her mind."
Vikki, 50, passed away late Thursday of yet-unknown causes. According to the police report, Zimmer made an emergency call to 911 Thursday night after discovering the lifeless body of his wife at home. Lewis said that his team was "shaken" and noticeably "down" at Friday's workout -- understandable reactions, given the awful development. But by Saturday morning, Zimmer had returned to the team, and the boost was immediate.
Cincinnati transferred all of that energy to the field Sunday. Playing against a Baltimore team that averaged 31 points per game during a 3-1 start, the Bengals' defense rose to the occasion. They sacked red-hot Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco twice and intercepted a pair of his passes -- including the game-clinching pick by Leon Hall on a Flacco desperation heave with nine seconds left. They limited Baltimore to just 82 yards rushing and held star Ravens receiver Derrick Mason without a catch.
"That's a good football team," Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said after. "They are everything advertised ... and more."
They also might be tougher and more resilient than anyone believed -- they seemingly proved that with Sunday's inspiring effort.
"We are prepared for anything," Cincinnati safety Chris Crocker said, according to ESPN's James Walker. "Yes, this was sad. But it was also uplifting because we had a purpose."
Zimmer, who received the game ball, did not talk to reporters following the Bengals' win. But hopefully he was able to enjoy his team's impressive performance, if only for a moment, before being faced with harsh reality again.
"He didn't want to be a distraction to the football team," Lewis said. "That was all he was worried about."
Cincinnati Bengals Photos
Cincinnati Bengals' Chad Ochocinco gets the ball knock from his hands by Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Gene Sweeney Jr/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andre Caldwell (87) scores the winning touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens safety Dawan Landry (26) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker (41) reacts after a flag was called late in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the as Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
Baltimore Ravens Ray Rice breaks tackles from the Cincinnati Bengals and runs in for a 48-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Gene Sweeney Jr/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
Cincinnati Bengals' Chad Ochocinco gets the ball knock from his hands by Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Gene Sweeney Jr/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson stops Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/MCT)
MCT
BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals speaks to the press after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carson Palmer
Getty Images
BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11: Leon Hall #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals picks off a last second pass to effectively end the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Leon Hall
Getty Images
BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11: Andre Caldwell #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his game winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andre Caldwell
Getty Images
BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11: Andre Caldwell #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball in for the game winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andre Caldwell
Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 14)
10-12-2009 @ 6:10AM
mlk913 said...
Coach Mike a Class Act. God Speed
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:31AM
Mike said...
I can't even begin to imagine what he's dealing with.....and a note to any moron who dares criticize him for returning to the team. People deal with personal crises in their own way. The best way is to be around friends and family, and for a coach, his team IS his family.
From this Patriots fan and on behalf of all Pats fans, our hearts go out to Coach Zimmer.
10-12-2009 @ 8:05AM
Mike said...
Coach Mike did the right thing. He could have taken the week off, the Bengals could have lost, and not one person would have blamed him. Coach Mike knows better than any of us how much his wife loved the team.
He HONORED his wife by showing up and providing some meaning to her death. Instead of staying home alone and crying, he provided his team with strength and emotional support. The result? The Bengals win and millions of Bengals fans are enjoying the day and remembering Coach Mike and Vicki.
Her tragic passing will now be associated with one of the most memorable wins in Bengals' history.
That's a GREAT way to honor her life and the way she would have wanted it.
10-12-2009 @ 8:56AM
Mike said...
Wow....I can't let this go, mainly because there are so many self-righteous judgmental idiots leaving cold, hurtful comments.
The life of a NFL coach is if nothing else, a transient one. Relocation is the nature of the beast. There aren't many coaches out there who live in their hometowns where their families and loved ones reside.
When tragedy strikes, the only friends and family close by is the team. Would you criticize ANYONE ELSE for running to their friends for support in a time of crisis?
Grow up people....part of me thinks most of the negativity is coming from pissed off Ravens' fans.
10-12-2009 @ 9:56AM
Rachael said...
Heartfelt condolences and hearty congratulations to the team. I agree with the other postings stating that they honored her memory in the most appropriate way at this time. If she really loved the team so deeply as was suggested by the post-its and treats, a strong showing proves that her love was not in vain and that they honored her as well in the best way they could at the moment. There is plenty of time for reality and it's hitting heavy enough now. Keep moving forward.
10-12-2009 @ 10:44AM
iamwalkin said...
There is just something weird about the whole thing-
I am not saying I am judging him for working, it is just there is something wrong here.
Something very wrong!
10-12-2009 @ 6:17AM
jerseynow357 said...
This a a very strong man to be able to work thru all that has happened.
I followed Mike as a Cowboys fan living in Cincinnati and now I feel for him after suffering this loss. We all pray that God be with you and your family.
K
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 8:01AM
Mr. Robinson said...
Connie - You are an idiot.
10-12-2009 @ 9:21AM
Mike said...
My sincerest condolences to Coach Zimmer and Vikki's family.
To those of you who think he is being callous and uncaring, you have never suffered a loss of this magnitude.
Aside from the day he found his wife's body, I imagine the absolute worst moment for Coach Mike was when he got home yesterday and she wasn't there. Just the thought of that tears my heart out.
10-12-2009 @ 9:42AM
Mike said...
My wife and I moved from Maine to Florida 6 years ago. It was just she and I, as our families were back up north.
Two years ago, my wife was killed in a car accident.
The next day, I went fishing. Why? Because it was our favorite thing to do together. We didn't care if we caught anything, we just loved being alone out on the lake together and enjoying each other's company.
I believe that's the same reason Coach Zimmer was at the game....because it was a passion that he shared with the love of his life.
My heart goes out to Coach Zimmer.
10-12-2009 @ 9:35PM
kathy said...
I was thinking the same.I know i would have wanted to find out what killed someone i loved so much before a footgame.I know people deal with grief in so many ways,but also would"t anyone want to know what happened..God Bless...
10-12-2009 @ 6:32AM
Big G said...
such a sad story.. god be with them all.. Vikki especially!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 6:54AM
vlw421 said...
My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. We can't judge Mike Zimmer for going to work a few days after his wife died let him deal with his grief the best way he can.
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 6:59AM
God's Evangelist said...
Coach...
My thoughts and Prayers are with you, As God
Surrounds you and comforts you in your time of great loss. Just Know God Sees and Hears and this too Shall pass.
God Bless!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:06AM
kyle said...
Coach,
May god be with you thru this tough time and with your family. i understand how it is to go thru a family members death even one tht close to you. God Bles!
Go Bengals!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:08AM
ramdingo69 said...
To the Answer Going To The Game During His WIFES DEATH & everyone deals with it differently ??? Dude you need a check up from the neck up !!!! This man was escaping from pain his way did you read how much his wife love the FootBall Team ??? ( NOT ) So do yourself a favor do not post such emotional statements on a blog without mustering in your own way before you start talking or displaying how or even if you would deal with it at all . I don't know you & you don't know him so
SHUT UP AND QUICKLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 12:15PM
gyraron said...
Open mouth and insert foot. Apparently you have never had anything to grieve about. Try dealing with such feelings of sorrow for dying relatives while being stationed overseas in the military at the same time! How about losing six rather close relatives in one year?
10-12-2009 @ 7:10AM
eric130144 said...
It's a shame some people are quick to judge others
on the way they deal with grieve. Not even a word of sympathy from theses people.
God bless all involved. Hang in there coach.
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:12AM
Georgia D. said...
My heart goes out to Mr Zimmer and the Bengals.
What a game!!
God Bless "ALL" of you!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:12AM
Cat Jones said...
sshanks252 - what's pathetic is how you, or anyone, can get on here and make comments about how people deal with the passing of a loved one. Vikki Zimmer was a wonderful person who supported her husband and those that he coached. She was proud of them win or lose, and she prepared snacks and such for them as well. Coach Zimmer went out there for Vikki, the players went out there for Vikki, and the team won that game for Vikki. Rest in Peace Vikki Zimmer, all of Bengaldom will miss you!
Reply