Thursday marked 15 years since the death of Reggie White.
15 years ago today, the great Reggie White passed away at the age of 43. Still as shocking now as it was then. Not sure there was a better pass rusher in the NFL's 100 years. Maybe not even a better defensive player. pic.twitter.com/OOWmn1oQS9
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 26, 2019
Reggie White, dubbed the Minister of Defense, was a 13-time pro bowler, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and 10-time First-Team All Pro. He was also selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
White is also a member of the College Hall of Fame. Before playing in the NFL, White was an All-American at Tennessee.
His number is retired in Green Bay, Philadelphia and right here in Knoxville.
We remember The Minister of Defense today on the anniversary of his death.
A true #VFL.
RIP Reggie White (December 19, 1961 – December 26, 2004) pic.twitter.com/IGyrnqssc5
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 26, 2019
White started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles after he was selected fourth overall in the 1984 Supplemental Draft. He spent eight seasons in the City of Brotherly Love before spending the next six with the Green Bay Packers. He retired after the 1998 season, only to return in 2000 when he joined the Carolina Panthers.
White recorded 198 career sacks in 15 seasons. He also had 12 postseason sacks in his career, three of which came in Super Bowl 37 for the Green Bay Packers in their win over the New England Patriots.
Reggie White was a strong man. 😤💪
— GBP Daily – Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) December 21, 2019
On Dec. 26, 2004, White was at home in Cornelius, N.C., when he suffered a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. This was attributed to sarcoidosis, a tissue inflammation disorder, and the sleep apnea that plagued White for almost most all of his life. He had turned 43 years old a week prior.
In addition to starring on the football field, White was also an ordained evangelical minister.
His No. 92 jersey has been retired by the Tennessee Volunteers, Eagles and Packers.
They called him the Minister of Defense. 🙏
EVERY Reggie White sack from the #NFLPlayoffs! (via @NFLThrowback) pic.twitter.com/JWQeIawkAI
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2019
As someone who got to see him play, White was the defensive lineman equivalent of Lawrence Taylor. He, like Taylor, had the opposing offensive coordinators dreaming nightmares the week leading up to facing them.
