Reggie White, 'Minister of Defense,' dies at age 43

Jet, Jan 17, 2005

Future NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White's unexpected death has shocked family, friends and fans, and the gridiron great will be missed.

According to a preliminary autopsy report, the 43-year-old White may have died because of a respiratory disease combined with other health problems. He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, NC, from his home after his wife, Sara, called 911.

White, who leaves behind son, Jeremy, a freshman at Elon University, and daughter, Jecolia, a junior in high school, most likely had a condition that affected the amount of air his lungs could hold, resulting in "fatal cardiac arrhythmia," said Dr. Mike Sullivan, the medical examiner for Mecklenburg County and a forensic pathologist.

The report issued by Sullivan's office also said sleep apnea may have been a factor. Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing repeatedly-in some cases, hundreds of times-during their sleep.

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. The fearsome defensive end retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's career sacks leader with 198 (the mark has since been passed).

"[His death] 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," said Keith Johnson, a pastor serving as family spokesman.

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. 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.

"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."

One of his off-field successes is Urban Hope, which he and his wife founded seven years ago. Since then, the Wisconsin-based program has assisted in starting 400 businesses.

"A lot of people know Reggie as a football player and a legend, but what he has returned to the community and the seeds that he's planted here was one of the best models in America for economic development," said Mark Burwell, Urban Hope's executive director.