MT. ADAMS -- The Cincinnati Bengals took time out from their recent success to mourn a significant loss in their family.
The players and many others joined the family of Mike Zimmer, the team's defensive coordinator, to say goodbye to his wife, Vikki, who passed away last week.
The Holy Cross-Immaculata Church in Mt. Adams was filled Tuesday morning.
Many Bengals players have said Vikki was an important member of their family. She often brought them baked treats to celebrate what they called "Victory Mondays".
Even some players from the New Orleans Saints paid their respects, since Zimmer's son coaches for that football team.
While the visitation was open to the public, the funeral service was private.
Vikki was just 50-years-old when she died last Thursday. The Hamilton County Coroner says she died of natural causes. The official cause of death has yet to be determined.
Vikki and Mike were married for 27 years and have three children.
After the defeating the Ravens and taking sole possession of the AFC North on Sunday, the Bengals gave Zimmer a game ball. He told the team that Vikki was proud of them and that she left post-it notes around the house reminding her to bake cookies for the players.
"She'll be missed for many reasons, not just the snacks — the spirit that she had and the encouraging notes and all the inspirational stuff," Bengals Safety Roy Williams said on Monday.
