JetBoatRich
12-26-2004, 09:21 AM
Former NFL star Reggie White died Sunday morning at his home near Huntersville, N.C., ESPN's Chris Mortensen has learned.
The former Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame who retired as the NFL's all-time sacks leader in 2000, turned 43 on Dec. 19.
Sara White confirmed her husband's death.
"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," Sara White said through a family pastor. "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."
Nicknamed "The Minister of Defense," White had 198 career sacks with the Eagles (1985-92), Packers (1993-98) and Carolina Panthers (2000). He went to two Super Bowls with Green Bay, winning a ring after the 1996 season.
Former teammate Mike Golic was visibly emotional as he remembered White on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.
"Reggie White was the greatest defensive end of all time, but as great as he was on the field he was that much greater off the field," Golic said.
Eric Allen wrapped up his Sunday chat on ESPN.com with a few words about his former teammate.
"You probably know we were teammates from 1988-1992," Allen said. "What you probably don't know is he was probably the biggest influence on me from the time I stepped foot into Philadelphia until now. More so off the field than on. We continued to stay in touch throughout my 17 years since being a rookie in Philadelphia, and I have a great amount of love for him and his family. So like he would do, please say a prayer for him and his family."
"[White] was a quality guy, a good man," Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie said. "He broke my collarbone my rookie year in the USFL, but he was always a peaceful guy, never arrogant, never a showboat."
The former Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame who retired as the NFL's all-time sacks leader in 2000, turned 43 on Dec. 19.
Sara White confirmed her husband's death.
"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," Sara White said through a family pastor. "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."
Nicknamed "The Minister of Defense," White had 198 career sacks with the Eagles (1985-92), Packers (1993-98) and Carolina Panthers (2000). He went to two Super Bowls with Green Bay, winning a ring after the 1996 season.
Former teammate Mike Golic was visibly emotional as he remembered White on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.
"Reggie White was the greatest defensive end of all time, but as great as he was on the field he was that much greater off the field," Golic said.
Eric Allen wrapped up his Sunday chat on ESPN.com with a few words about his former teammate.
"You probably know we were teammates from 1988-1992," Allen said. "What you probably don't know is he was probably the biggest influence on me from the time I stepped foot into Philadelphia until now. More so off the field than on. We continued to stay in touch throughout my 17 years since being a rookie in Philadelphia, and I have a great amount of love for him and his family. So like he would do, please say a prayer for him and his family."
"[White] was a quality guy, a good man," Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie said. "He broke my collarbone my rookie year in the USFL, but he was always a peaceful guy, never arrogant, never a showboat."