SAN DIEGO -- Gregg Nassen, a long-time video coordinator in the San Diego State athletic department, recently passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.
Nassen started at San Diego State in 2003 after attending the university, working with the football team. Nassen filmed and edited the football team’s practices and games, both home and away. He also assisted with streaming events for SDSU’s other programs.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gregg Nassen,” said San Diego State director of athletics John David Wicker. “Gregg was a consummate professional, a tireless worker and a great person. Our thoughts are with Gregg’s family during this difficult time.”
“Gregg was selfless and dedicated to help our team in every way possible,” said SDSU football head coach Sean Lewis. “He made our job easier and was a great person to lean on for a new staff. My thoughts are with his family in this time of sorrow.”
Nassen also assisted Murphy at various professional scouting events, including the NFLPA Bowl and the Mountain West Basketball Championship.
“I have worked alongside Gregg here at SDSU for 22 years and through that time we have been through a lot,” said SDSU video coordinator Brian Murphy. “Through the grind of training camp, the late nights of bowl set ups, or on the tarmac unloading planes at three in the morning, I will treasure all the moments I was able to spend with him. He was a great person who did whatever it took. One word comes to mind when I think about Gregg. Selflessness. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Not only was he a valued member of the Aztec family, but he was also valued to my personal family. I know Gregg would not want me to be sad right now, but I am. And I will be. He will be missed.”
Nassen resided in Mira Mesa and was a graduate of Mira Mesa High School. He is survived by his mother, Theann, father, Brian, two brothers, one sister, three nieces and three nephews.
There will be a celebration of life for Gregg in July.
What they are saying.
“Gregg was a great team member. He had what every team needs. Work ethic, optimism, belief, and the willingness to do whatever he could to help us WIN! Gregg will be missed.” - Rocky Long, former SDSU football head coach
“Gregg was a true Aztec. He always went the extra mile to get the job done and made sure you had everything you needed in the video world to be successful. He was a big part of the success for many Aztec athletic programs. He had a great personality and a smile for all. He will be truly missed by all our Aztec family.” - Jeff Horton, former SDSU football associate head coach
“Gregg was a dedicated and loyal Aztec, who was always there to help me when I needed it. He was good with the players and well-liked by the coaching staff. He will be missed by our entire program.” - Mike Schmidt, current SDSU run game coordinator/offensive line coach
“Gregg Nassen is the epitome of a tremendous person and friend. He was quick-witted, loyal to the core to whom he loved and worked for. Gregg was so incredibly clever, competent and resourceful in all that he did. Gregg’s greatest quality was his genuine care for others above himself. Thank you, Gregg, for always going out of your way for me. I will forever cherish our time spent together, starting my career as a student filmer under you and Murph…to the shared stories and laughs together in the hotel on road trips throughout the years. Forever a brother; you are loved and missed dearly.” - Doug Deakin, former SDSU football assistant coach
“Gregg was one of the originals. He was with us from the beginning and the duo of Brian Murphy and Gregg were vital to the success of the turnaround of the football program. Gregg never asked or needed anything. All he did was work. He was a loyal friend and a loyal member of the staff. He optimized what (former head coach) Rocky Long taught all of us. “Just do your job and don’t worry about how anyone else does theirs.” I’ll miss him.” - Adam Hall, SDSU Associate Athletic Director, Strength & Conditioning
“Gregg was always deeply connected with SDSU. He worked behind the scenes to capture many Aztec moments and memories. He was a vital part of helping our teams find success. He was more than just a videographer but one of our Aztec brothers. He will be missed by everyone at SDSU.” - Christian Chapman, former SDSU football player
“No matter how he felt physically or mentally, Gregg was always helpful to myself and the other (graduate assistants). He would always make sure that we had what we needed to get our jobs done. I will always appreciate everything he did for the Aztecs from when I was a player and now a coach.” - Parker Houston, former SDSU football player and current SDSU football graduate assistant coach
“Gregg was an outstanding guy. Anytime you would see him, you were either going to get a history lesson on SDSU, or a smile on your face, and the majority of the time it was both! Gregg will be missed immensely. May he Rest in Peace.” - Turner Bernard, former SDSU football player
“As a specialist we are always out at practice early, and Gregg would always be out there setting up. I got to know Gregg through conversations about UFC or football, and he was always so genuinely nice to everyone and helped me feel comfortable in a new and stressful setting. Gregg did so much for the Aztec team that went unnoticed and never asked for praise. Gregg is an Aztec for Life and I will be praying for his family.” - Ryan Wintermeyer, former SDSU football player
“One of my favorite people on the staff while I played at SDSU. We talked and laughed together almost every practice, he was really one of the greats! I’m sorry for your loss! He was loved by so many.” - Jacob Rabb, former SDSU football player