one of the few millionair ball playerrs i had respect for.....Prayers to the family....rest in pease brother :sadwave:
Reggie White
- Thread starter justwinbaby
- Start date
I agree, way too young to go. I'll always remember Reggie for bringing a championship back to G.B., but more importantly, he was a down to earth good guy.
CORNELIUS, N.C. (AP) ? Reggie White earned Brett Favre's respect on and off the field.
Reggie White was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team.
By Mike Roemer, AP
"He may have been best player I've ever seen and certainly was the best I've ever played with or against," the Green Bay quarterback said after White's death Sunday.
"Off the field, he did so much for so many people. He really reached a lot of people. ... He was a great friend on and off the field. We'll all miss him."
The fearsome Philadelphia and Green Bay defensive end was 43.
"It just seems so odd, so surreal," said former Packers teammate Eugene Robinson, now a commentator for Carolina, where White spent his final season. "I'm still like, 'I don't believe it.' When I saw it flash on the television ? 1961 to 2004 ? I was just like, 'I'm not going to try to fight back any more tears. I'm just going to cry.'"
The cause of death was not immediately known, however White had a respiratory ailment for several years that affected his sleep, according to Keith Johnson, a pastor serving as family spokesman. An autopsy was scheduled.
"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," White's wife, Sara, said in a statement. "His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Reggie White. We want to thank you in advance for honoring our privacy."
White died at Presbyterian Hospital, where he was taken after his wife called 911. A police officer was outside White's Tudor-style home in a gated community, and would not let a reporter approach the house.
WHITE'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Second in NFL career sacks
Selected to record 13 consecutive Pro Bowls (1986-1998)
Earned 1987 and 1998 NFL defensive player of the year award
Named to the All-Pro team seven times
Elected to NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team
Had three career interceptions and two fumble returns for touchdowns
A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and ordained minister who was known as the "Minister of Defense," White played 15 seasons with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's career sacks leader with 198. The mark has since been passed by Bruce Smith.
"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. "Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."
A member of the NFL's 75th anniversary team, White was elected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 straight times from 1986-98. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998.
"A 43-year-old is not supposed to die in his sleep," Johnson said. "It was not only unexpected, but it was also a complete surprise. Reggie wasn't a sick man ... he was vibrant. He had lots and lots of energy, lots of passion."
Johnson is the head of Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment, a ministry that White helped found. He said White had gone to see the movie "Fat Albert" on Christmas night with family and friends.
White and his wife had a son and a daughter: Jeremy, a freshman at Elon University, and Jecolia, a junior in high school.
After an All-America senior season at Tennessee, White began his pro career with the USFL's Memphis Showboats in 1984. He joined the Eagles, who held his NFL rights, after the USFL folded in 1985. For eight years, he was as an integral piece in Philadelphia's "Gang Green Defense."
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie called White "one of the greatest men ever to play the game of football" and said his "legacy on and off the football field will never be forgotten."
White played a key role in free agency ? he was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that led to the current system.
"He meant as much to us off the field as much as on it," said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association. "He had his name on the lawsuit and he didn't get one penny. That's just the type of guy he was. His character, his integrity was everything any NFL player should aspire to be."
White signed as a free agent with Green Bay in 1993 for $17 million over four years. His signing, along with a trade for Favre, helped make the Packers champions again.
"That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge," Packers president Bob Harlan said Sunday. "He sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Green Bay was a great place to play."
The Packers made consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including a win over New England in 1997, when White set a Super Bowl record with three sacks.
"He was just a wonderful player, first of all," said Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White in Green Bay. "Then, as a person, he was just the best. ... I'm a better person for having been around Reggie White."
White worked tirelessly in the offseason with inner-city youths. But his image was tarnished when he gave a speech in which he denounced homosexuality and used ethnic stereotypes. White later apologized.
White was 39 when he finished his NFL career with Carolina ? his third retirement. He retired for one day before the 1998 season, but then said God had told him he needed to play again, and he returned to the Packers.
White retired again after the 1998 season and took a year off from football. After the Packers allowed him out of his contract, he returned to play for the Panthers and recorded a career-low 5.50 sacks and had only 27 tackles.
The A.L. Jinwright Funeral Service in Charlotte is handling arrangements.
Reaction to White's death
"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."? NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
"He was just a wonderful player, first of all. Then, as a person, he was just the best. He was one of the leaders, along with Brett Favre, of our football team in Green Bay. I'm a better person for having been around Reggie White." ? Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White at Green Bay.
"That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge. Everyone thought the last place he would sign was Green Bay and it was monumental because not only did he sign but he recruited for Green Bay and got guys like Sean Jones to come here. He sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Green Bay was a great place to play." ? Green Bay president Bob Harlan. White was the first major black player to sign with the Packers as a free agent.
"This is such a loss. About two months ago, Reggie was in town on business and he stopped by the practice facility. We chatted, and then I went to get (Detroit defensive tackle) Shaun Rogers. Reggie showed him every aspect of his hump move, and when he was done, he gave Shaun his phone number and told him to call if he could ever help him. That's the kind of guy Reggie was ? he could have kept all his knowledge to himself, but he wanted to share it with everyone and help make them better players. I'm shocked and disappointed."? former Detroit defensive end Robert Porcher.
Reggie White was a member of the NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team.
By Mike Roemer, AP
"He may have been best player I've ever seen and certainly was the best I've ever played with or against," the Green Bay quarterback said after White's death Sunday.
"Off the field, he did so much for so many people. He really reached a lot of people. ... He was a great friend on and off the field. We'll all miss him."
The fearsome Philadelphia and Green Bay defensive end was 43.
"It just seems so odd, so surreal," said former Packers teammate Eugene Robinson, now a commentator for Carolina, where White spent his final season. "I'm still like, 'I don't believe it.' When I saw it flash on the television ? 1961 to 2004 ? I was just like, 'I'm not going to try to fight back any more tears. I'm just going to cry.'"
The cause of death was not immediately known, however White had a respiratory ailment for several years that affected his sleep, according to Keith Johnson, a pastor serving as family spokesman. An autopsy was scheduled.
"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," White's wife, Sara, said in a statement. "His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Reggie White. We want to thank you in advance for honoring our privacy."
White died at Presbyterian Hospital, where he was taken after his wife called 911. A police officer was outside White's Tudor-style home in a gated community, and would not let a reporter approach the house.
WHITE'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Second in NFL career sacks
Selected to record 13 consecutive Pro Bowls (1986-1998)
Earned 1987 and 1998 NFL defensive player of the year award
Named to the All-Pro team seven times
Elected to NFL's 75th anniversary all-time team
Had three career interceptions and two fumble returns for touchdowns
A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and ordained minister who was known as the "Minister of Defense," White played 15 seasons with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's career sacks leader with 198. The mark has since been passed by Bruce Smith.
"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. "Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."
A member of the NFL's 75th anniversary team, White was elected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 straight times from 1986-98. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998.
"A 43-year-old is not supposed to die in his sleep," Johnson said. "It was not only unexpected, but it was also a complete surprise. Reggie wasn't a sick man ... he was vibrant. He had lots and lots of energy, lots of passion."
Johnson is the head of Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment, a ministry that White helped found. He said White had gone to see the movie "Fat Albert" on Christmas night with family and friends.
White and his wife had a son and a daughter: Jeremy, a freshman at Elon University, and Jecolia, a junior in high school.
After an All-America senior season at Tennessee, White began his pro career with the USFL's Memphis Showboats in 1984. He joined the Eagles, who held his NFL rights, after the USFL folded in 1985. For eight years, he was as an integral piece in Philadelphia's "Gang Green Defense."
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie called White "one of the greatest men ever to play the game of football" and said his "legacy on and off the football field will never be forgotten."
White played a key role in free agency ? he was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that led to the current system.
"He meant as much to us off the field as much as on it," said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association. "He had his name on the lawsuit and he didn't get one penny. That's just the type of guy he was. His character, his integrity was everything any NFL player should aspire to be."
White signed as a free agent with Green Bay in 1993 for $17 million over four years. His signing, along with a trade for Favre, helped make the Packers champions again.
"That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge," Packers president Bob Harlan said Sunday. "He sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Green Bay was a great place to play."
The Packers made consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including a win over New England in 1997, when White set a Super Bowl record with three sacks.
"He was just a wonderful player, first of all," said Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White in Green Bay. "Then, as a person, he was just the best. ... I'm a better person for having been around Reggie White."
White worked tirelessly in the offseason with inner-city youths. But his image was tarnished when he gave a speech in which he denounced homosexuality and used ethnic stereotypes. White later apologized.
White was 39 when he finished his NFL career with Carolina ? his third retirement. He retired for one day before the 1998 season, but then said God had told him he needed to play again, and he returned to the Packers.
White retired again after the 1998 season and took a year off from football. After the Packers allowed him out of his contract, he returned to play for the Panthers and recorded a career-low 5.50 sacks and had only 27 tackles.
The A.L. Jinwright Funeral Service in Charlotte is handling arrangements.
Reaction to White's death
"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."? NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
"He was just a wonderful player, first of all. Then, as a person, he was just the best. He was one of the leaders, along with Brett Favre, of our football team in Green Bay. I'm a better person for having been around Reggie White." ? Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White at Green Bay.
"That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge. Everyone thought the last place he would sign was Green Bay and it was monumental because not only did he sign but he recruited for Green Bay and got guys like Sean Jones to come here. He sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Green Bay was a great place to play." ? Green Bay president Bob Harlan. White was the first major black player to sign with the Packers as a free agent.
"This is such a loss. About two months ago, Reggie was in town on business and he stopped by the practice facility. We chatted, and then I went to get (Detroit defensive tackle) Shaun Rogers. Reggie showed him every aspect of his hump move, and when he was done, he gave Shaun his phone number and told him to call if he could ever help him. That's the kind of guy Reggie was ? he could have kept all his knowledge to himself, but he wanted to share it with everyone and help make them better players. I'm shocked and disappointed."? former Detroit defensive end Robert Porcher.
"At times, you would get a little frustrated with Reggie because he was always goofing around on the practice field. He goofed around all the time. He loved the game and rarely got serious. Now on Sundays, he'd get serious and he would have fun."? Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who was with White for five seasons in Philadelphia, the last three as defensive coordinator.
"I knew him very well, on and off the field. He was one of my idols before I went to Tennessee and I was lucky to get the chance to play with him at Carolina before he retired."? Jacksonville Jaguars safety Deon Grant, who played college football at Tennessee, White's alma mater, and played with White in Carolina.
"I'll have to use that old Bum Phillips line: I don't know if he was the best, but it won't take long to call the roll. In the history of the NFL, there's been two dominant free agents: Reggie White and Deion Sanders. From that standpoint, he was as good as they come." ? Former Green Bay GM Ron Wolf.
"He was one of the greatest players who ever put on a uniform at his position. I once referred to him as the Tony Dorsett of defensive linemen. There's never been a better one." ? Johnny Majors, White's former coach at Tennessee.
"Reggie's records and accomplishments say it all. He is a Hall of Fame player and possibly the best defensive lineman ever to play the game."? George Seifert, who coached him in Carolina.
"Even though he was nearing the end of his career, and you don't do this much, but I remember when he walked out of our offices at Wofford at training camp after he signed the contract, I remember you just sit back and say 'Man, we just signed Reggie White.' I mean, he had that kind of impact, he was that kind of player and that kind of individual." ? Carolina GM Marty Hurney on White's impact during his one season with the Panthers.
"It's no coincidence he passed on football Sunday. Reggie loved the game, and he loved the people associated with the game. I'm glad that as the entire NFL was preparing to play, they could honor Reggie. You say Reggie's name, and people just have an immediate respect for him."? Keith Johnson, head of CAUSE ministry, Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment, of which White was one of the founders.
Associated Press Writer Martha Waggoner in Raleigh and AP Sports Writers Dave Goldberg in New York, Arnie Stapleton in Wisconsin and Tim Korte in Seattle contributed to this report.
:sadwave:
"I knew him very well, on and off the field. He was one of my idols before I went to Tennessee and I was lucky to get the chance to play with him at Carolina before he retired."? Jacksonville Jaguars safety Deon Grant, who played college football at Tennessee, White's alma mater, and played with White in Carolina.
"I'll have to use that old Bum Phillips line: I don't know if he was the best, but it won't take long to call the roll. In the history of the NFL, there's been two dominant free agents: Reggie White and Deion Sanders. From that standpoint, he was as good as they come." ? Former Green Bay GM Ron Wolf.
"He was one of the greatest players who ever put on a uniform at his position. I once referred to him as the Tony Dorsett of defensive linemen. There's never been a better one." ? Johnny Majors, White's former coach at Tennessee.
"Reggie's records and accomplishments say it all. He is a Hall of Fame player and possibly the best defensive lineman ever to play the game."? George Seifert, who coached him in Carolina.
"Even though he was nearing the end of his career, and you don't do this much, but I remember when he walked out of our offices at Wofford at training camp after he signed the contract, I remember you just sit back and say 'Man, we just signed Reggie White.' I mean, he had that kind of impact, he was that kind of player and that kind of individual." ? Carolina GM Marty Hurney on White's impact during his one season with the Panthers.
"It's no coincidence he passed on football Sunday. Reggie loved the game, and he loved the people associated with the game. I'm glad that as the entire NFL was preparing to play, they could honor Reggie. You say Reggie's name, and people just have an immediate respect for him."? Keith Johnson, head of CAUSE ministry, Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment, of which White was one of the founders.
Associated Press Writer Martha Waggoner in Raleigh and AP Sports Writers Dave Goldberg in New York, Arnie Stapleton in Wisconsin and Tim Korte in Seattle contributed to this report.
:sadwave:
