Reggie White, a formidable defensive end for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles who was regarded as one of the greatest
NFL players of all time, died Sunday, according to his wife. He was 43.
“Today, our beloved husband, father, and friend passed away,” White’s wife, Sara, said in a statement released through a family pastor.
“His family would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we mourn Reggie White’s death. We’d like to thank you in advance for
respecting our privacy.
A two-time NFL defensive player of the year and an ordained priest known as the “Minister of Defense,” White spent a total of 15 years
with Philadelphia, Green Bay, and Carolina. He retired in 2000 as the NFL’s all-time sack leader, with 198. Bruce Smith has
subsequently passed the mark.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie described White as “one of the greatest men ever to play the game of football.”
“His legacy both on and off the football field will never be forgotten,” Lurie stated in a statement.
White, a member of the NFL’s 75th anniversary team, was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 consecutive years from 1986 to 1998. He was
named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in both 1987 and 1998.
“As great a player as Reggie was, he was a better person, and it’s not even close,” Detroit Lions CEO Matt Millen said. “Reggie
improved the lives of everyone he touched. “This is a very depressing day.”
