Former NFL safety William White dead from ALS at 56

Security William White, who spent 11 seasons within the NFL, died at 56 after a battle with ALS, the Detroit Lions introduced Thursday.

Drafted out of Ohio State in 1988, White spent his first six seasons in Detroit.

“I beloved William,” stated Lions particular assistant to president/CEO Chris Spielman, a former teammate of White’s. “We shared experiences of pleasure and sorrow on and off the sphere. He was and at all times will likely be my brother. I'm endlessly grateful for the particular second final yr when he was capable of be by my aspect throughout the Delight of the Lions ceremony at Ford Discipline. I can’t wait to see him once more when he will likely be free from ALS. Could God’s peace relaxation upon his household.”

White intercepted 20 passes in his profession, together with a career-high 5 in 1990 for the Lions. He spent three seasons with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs after which his remaining two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

We share within the disappointment felt in the present day all through the NFL neighborhood following the information of William White’s passing. Drafted by the Lions within the 4th spherical of the 1988 Draft out of Ohio State, White performed 6 seasons in Detroit (1988-1993) & appeared in 95 video games (79 begins) for the membership. pic.twitter.com/v42P1KnbmA

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 29, 2022

In his remaining season, White helped the Falcons win their NFC title and appeared in Tremendous Bowl XXXIII. Within the NFC divisional playoff, White picked off two Steve Younger passes within the fourth quarter to assist Atlanta maintain onto a 20-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit additionally paid tribute to White, tweeting that he fought his battle with “unusual valor.”

Once I heard about his analysis years in the past I used to be in shock. He fought it such as you’d anticipate, with unusual valor. Recognized his household for a lot of years-my ideas and prayers to Nikol, their kids, and the remainder of the White household.
So sorry in your loss. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/Mbsk5Hv16L

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) July 29, 2022

White is survived by his spouse, Nikol, and kids William Jr., Brendon and Brea. Brendon was a security at Ohio State earlier than transferring to Rutgers.

In 2018, White informed Eleven Warriors, an unbiased Ohio State soccer web site, that he had no regrets enjoying soccer.

William White, who intercepted 20 passes in his 11-year profession, is survived by his spouse and three kids.

Getty Pictures

“It might have one thing to do with it, however hey, it don’t matter,” he stated. “If I knew I might have gotten this, I might have nonetheless performed the sport, as a result of I beloved it, and smacking folks within the mouth was enjoyable to me.

“I’m not allowed to say that now,” White stated with fun, “however hey, that’s why God made positive I used to be born in ‘66 as an alternative of ‘86.”