posted on December 26, 2004 10:21:57 AM new
Reggie White dies at 43
December 26, 2004
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Reggie White, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, died Sunday, his wife said. He was 43.
``Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away,'' White's wife, Sara, said in a statement 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.''
A cause of death was not immediately known, though the NFL's Web site listed it as a massive heart attack.
A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, White played a total of 15 years with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired in 2000 as the NFL's all-time leader in sacks with 198. The mark has since been passed by Bruce Smith.
``We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the greatest men ever to play the game of football,'' Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. ``On behalf of the entire Eagles family, our condolences go out to his wife, Sara, to his children, and to all those who have been touched by Reggie throughout his life. His legacy on and off the football field will never be forgotten.''
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, and was also an ordained minister.
He began his career with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in 1984, and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, who held his NFL rights, after the USFL folded in 1985.
After eight years as an integral piece in Philadelphia's ``Gang Green Defense,'' White signed as a free agent with Green Bay in 1993 for $17 million over four years, huge for that era. His signing, along with a trade for quarterback Brett Favre, brought a measure of respectability back to the franchise and he was the first major black player to sign with the Packers as a free agent.
His decision to choose the Packers was a surprise. During much of what his tour to various teams, he suggested he would prefer a major city, where he could minister to black youth.
``That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge,'' Packers president Bob Harlan said Sunday of White's signing. ``Everyone thought the last place he would sign was Green Bay and it was monumental because not only did he sign but he recruited for Green Bay and got guys like Sean Jones to come here. He sent a message to the rest of the NFL that Green Bay was a great place to play and before that this was a place people didn't want to come.''
He helped lead the Packers to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including a win over New England in 1997, when he set a Super Bowl record with three sacks.
White worked tirelessly in the offseason with inner-city kids and to bridge the racial and economic divide. But his image was tarnished when he gave a speech in which he denounced homosexuality and used ethnic stereotypes. White later apologized for any harm his comments may have caused.
White was 39 when he finished his NFL career with Carolina, leaving the game with 198 sacks. That was actually White's third retirement. He retired for one day before the 1998 season, but then said God had told him he needed to play again, and he returned to the Packers.
White retired again after the 1998 season and took a year off from football. After the Packers allowed him out of his contract, White returned to the Panthers last season and played for $1 million.
``I will always miss the locker room and the guys, but I know God's will for me to move on to other challenges because it's not in me like it used to be,'' White said at the time.
White's last season was disappointing in many respects. He recorded a career-low 5.5 sacks with only 27 tackles. He didn't show the same pass-rushing skills that made him a dominating force for much of the past two seasons.
White spent eight years with the Eagles and six with the Packers before a final one with the Panthers.
Remarkably durable, White missed only one game in his last 12 seasons and started all but three games during that span.
``Reggie's records and accomplishments say it all,'' said George Seifert, who coached him on the Panthers. ``He is a Hall of Fame player and possibly the best defensive lineman ever to play the game.''
posted on December 26, 2004 12:39:27 PM new
I was always a big Reggie fan. He was one of those players that commanded respect on and off the field. Somewhere in storage is an autographed photo and helmet I got one year from an ex who said I made him understand exactly how "football widows" felt.
Condolences to Reggie's family.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 27, 2004 08:43:49 AM new
How tragic, but it does not compare to the deaths of 22,000+ people in Sri Lanka or the 1325 U.S. soldiers who have died in the name of Bush's war.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
---------------------------------- "Give it up for George W. Bush, the best friend international jihad ever had."
posted on December 27, 2004 09:07:46 AM new
You know something Logan - I am willing to bet that in the hearts and minds of his family and friends it means exactly the same as it does to the loved ones of those that you mentioned.
What an incredibly assinine statement.
Reggie White gave thousands of hours of his time to his community and charitable oraganizations and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuild churches thru out the south that were burned down by our own little homegrown terrorists. How in the world have you managed to somehow see his loss as a lesser loss?
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 27, 2004 11:13:05 AM new
It seemed to me that Logansdad was simply pointing out a greater overall tragedy in the death of 22,000..now over 24,000 victims of the tsunami today together with the Iraq war dead.
posted on December 27, 2004 11:30:51 AM new
I agree that it was an inappropriate comment for this particular thread because some might think that it was meant to diminish the tragic death of the young football star.
posted on December 27, 2004 11:56:45 AM newHow tragic, but it does not compare to the deaths of 22,000+ people in Sri Lanka or the 1325 U.S. soldiers who have died in the name of Bush's war.
So one shouldn't mourn the death of an individual anymore?!?
____________________
"Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim." --Charles Buxton
posted on December 27, 2004 12:43:26 PM new
Fenix, if you find my response assine, then I think you have your priorities mixed up. The football star died at the age of 43. Yes it is tragic that he died so "young", but there are 100's of people a day that die before their time.
This past holiday weekend here in Chicago 3 young kids all younger than 5 died in fires. You don't see me posting articles about their deaths. If I did you probably would not have given a rat's ass about them.
What is more tragic, the deaths of 22,000+ "non professional" people that died in act of nature or the death of one professional athlete.
Would you have cared about Reggie White dying at 43 if he had not been a football player?
I am willing to bet that in the hearts and minds of his family and friends it means exactly the same as it does to the loved ones of those that you mentioned.
Yes I am sure they are grieving in the same manner that the friends and family of those lost in the tsunami are grieving. If that is true, then how is Reggie White's death any more tragic than those that died in tsunami?
People always seem to think the death of athletes or famous people are more tragic/upsetting than the deaths of hard working ordinary family people.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
---------------------------------- "Give it up for George W. Bush, the best friend international jihad ever had."
posted on December 27, 2004 01:16:02 PM new
::Yes I am sure they are grieving in the same manner that the friends and family of those lost in the tsunami are grieving. If that is true, then how is Reggie White's death any more tragic than those that died in tsunami? ::
I don't believe that I ever said that Reggie's White was more tragic. You on the other hand did state that it was less and that is why I said what I said.
If Libra had posted notice of the death of a man who had founded an organization that had assisted in the opening of over 400 entrepreneurial businesses in his adopted community, that helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuild churches burned down across the south and had given of his time to both organizations and individuals to help in every community he worked and lived in you would not have felt the need to try to lessen his death. For some reason though, you seem to think that all of that is irrelevent because he also happened to be a talented athlete and that his job somehow diminished his value as a person.
Sorry but I disagree.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 27, 2004 03:28:45 PM new
It is always sad to see one so devoted to helping those less fortunate go at such an early age. Hopefully, he has set a good example for others to follow in his footsteps.
posted on December 27, 2004 04:18:42 PM new
Fenix: For some reason though, you seem to think that all of that is irrelevent because he also happened to be a talented athlete and that his job somehow diminished his value as a person.
Sorry but I do disagree. The only reason why he is getting the attention he is getting is because of his "fame". I also believe Libra posted the article because she happens to be a Green Bay Packers fan. First if this happened to any other sports star I do not think Libra would have posted the article. Second if this happened to any normal person, they would not be receiving the attention. I am so glad you feel he is deserving of this attention just because he was a celebrity since there are numerous people in the country that do good without having the celebrity status.
If he was not a celebrity would you still be giving him such praise?
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
---------------------------------- "Give it up for George W. Bush, the best friend international jihad ever had."
posted on December 27, 2004 04:34:03 PM new
I understand what you mean, Logan. I agree with the point you're making but it would be difficult to do. It would be like if anyone died, especially a celebrity, you'd have to mention all the others that died that day, week, etc., to show how badly you feel about all deaths in order for you to bring up a single person's death in the first place. Hard to do imo.
posted on December 27, 2004 05:25:45 PM new
Logan - Yes. I felt bad when the old woman that fed hundreds of homeless from her home every Thanksgiving passed away two years ago in San Diego. I felt bad when Daddy Bruce, a Denver restaurateur who did the same thing on an even larger scale from his restaruant passed. They were decent, kind, and giving people and the world could use more like them. Reggie White was no different. He just happened to also be an amazing athlete.
I don't know how much of a Packer fan or a White fan you are/were but a big part of what made him so popular was his community efforts. He was popular because of his abilities on the field, but he was famous because of his actions off the field.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 27, 2004 06:12:44 PM new
BTW Logan - Please do not assume that just because I have expressed regret and mourning over the loss of Reggie White that I do not feel it for others at this time.
The events in Thailand, Sri Lanka and India this weekend are quite frankly mind boggling. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my brain around the numbers. There is a point where a death toll becomes incomprehensible. When you think that the current toll represents nearly 40% of the capacity of the average NFL football stadium .........
Speechless.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
[ edited by fenix03 on Dec 27, 2004 06:13 PM ]
posted on December 27, 2004 07:40:11 PM new
Well, I think that logan has made a good point. The famous get the best "news" coverage when they die. Take a look at Dale Ernhart, the famous and professional race car driver. When he died in a fiery car crash so many people mourned him. If you recall, there was a long thread on this board about him.
Now, the Detroit TV news in the last couple of days is reporting a story about a man who killed his girlfriend and her three children. Anybody hear about that? Probably not. She was a poor black woman who wasn't famous or wealthy.
I think Logan's point was to understand that everyone has the same value as a human being. And I agree.
Bigots are miserable people. Prevent Bigotry through Education.
posted on December 27, 2004 09:11:01 PM new
Bingo Logansdad, you are half right.
I, not me, had the pleasure of knowing White from the days of battling the Packers to acquire his services, and whenever I saw him, we would talk about our time in New York with his agent, Jim Sexton. At the time, I asked White what the most important thing he was looking for above and beyond the football experience, and he said, "I'd like to save the planet."
White was a terrific human being who not only accepted the role model image so many athletes deny they are responsible for, but relished in helping people everywhere. Young players, poor people living on the streets of Philadelphia and unwed mothers who needed a place to raise their children were just some of the issues he was trying to lend a hand to when I knew him best.
I took him to a luncheon with some of the most concerned New Yorkers at a restaurant in Harlem in hopes of showing White why he could make the biggest impact if he came to New York. The people in the room on 125th Street that day all shared a very special experience with a man who inspired all of us and invigorated those at the table that they could get things done with or without him because of the energy inside them. He was amazing in so many ways.[/b] Humble, powerful and real were the thoughts that I had of him when we left that meeting[/b].
Was there a football player who was better at what they did for their team than White? He took a defense ranked 23rd in the NFL when he arrived in Green Bay without any significant personnel changes and pulled it to the top of the league. He was the first big free agent in the NFL, and to this day may be the most important player ever signed.
When White spoke, people listened. While he was on his visit to the Jets, he held a press conference and a reporter asked him would he ever really consider joining the Jets. He said he would if they had a top quarterback like Boomer Esiason. We traded for Boomer the next day.
The last time I spoke with White was in the Packers' weight room a little over a year ago. I was surprised to see the retired defensive end at the facility. He was sitting on a bench talking to a young player about what it took to be a great Packer. It was great to see him back in Green Bay doing what he did best: lending a helping hand to anyone he thought needed his help.
When he decided not to join us at the Jets, a colleague of mine said that the missed opportunity probably changed my professional life. I really felt that whether he ever signed with us or not didn't matter. Just meeting the man and spending enough time with him to know that he meant it when he said he would like to save the planet changed me. I was just one of the lucky ones who had their life touched by a very special person who also happened to be a great football player.
Logansdad I really know why you posted that is because he was against gay marriage, along with many others.
"People always seem to think the death of athletes or famous people are more tragic/upsetting than the deaths of hard working ordinary family people".
He was more than a athlete. An ordained minister helping young boys and girls to get direction in their life. When you look at Reggie White you do not see the athlete but the hope is eyes to help others to achieve goals. He was always visiable in the state going to schools speaking to the youth and yes he has made more than an athletic impact on our state.
posted on December 27, 2004 09:43:44 PM new
Yes they have the same value, but it is how and what they did with their lives to get the recognation that they deserve. We are all given the same opportunities, but many never use those opportunities to better themselves. Some people do nothing others better themselves so they can go out and help others. Do you get the point.
His football career was only a stepping stone to help promote his ability go to out and dedicate his life to helping others, which he did. That is the reason people care not because he played football.
posted on December 28, 2004 07:12:11 AM new
Libra: Logansdad I really know why you posted that is because he was against gay marriage, along with many others.
Libra, where in the heck did you get this notion. My posting had nothing to do with the gay marriage issue. It seems as if you are obsessed with this issue. Do you assume because I am gay everything revolves around this issue. Your posting above is completely assinine and it shows just how homophobic and uneducated you are. You and are others on this board want to make every issue about gay marriage.
My original post was meant to point out the fact that there are more tragic events in the world than the death of some celebrity/athlete no matter what they did on or off the field.
I could care less what Reggie White's views were on education, the environment, gay marriage or whether he was Republican or Democrat, Christian, Jew or an atheist.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
---------------------------------- "Give it up for George W. Bush, the best friend international jihad ever had."
posted on December 28, 2004 12:08:53 PM new
Well Crowfarm he was, glad you asked.
Reggie White's Urban Hope helped start 400 business
In the seven years since Reggie White and his wife helped found Urban Hope, more than 800 people have graduated from its programs that help people get started in business.
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.
The 43 year old legendary defensive end died Sunday in North Carolina. He arrived in Green Bay in 1993 and the 1998 season was his final with the Packers. White may have died because of a respiratory diseased combined with other health problems, according to a preliminary autopsy report Monday.
In recent years, White and his wife Sara, distanced themselves from the day to day operations of Urban Hope and served mainly as advisers, attending the business development program's graduations and reading business plans, Burwell Said.
The program has helped start more than 400 business. The program has led to the creation of 1,100 jobs, Burwell said
Kraft before you speak and pat someone on the back you need to get the full story. Crowfarm is not always right although she likes to be.
Reggie did many great things off the field also. Football was only a short stop in his life and while doing that he was also helping others. The State of Wisconsin was proud to have him for a citizen.
edited to add the URL
[ edited by Libra63 on Dec 28, 2004 12:27 PM ]
posted on December 28, 2004 12:34:43 PM new
I hate to inform you logansdad I did start the article on Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals. I am not a Cardinal fan and Arizona is quite a distance from the State of Wisconsin. I am not narrow minded like others on this board.
posted on December 28, 2004 12:34:44 PM new
Libra, her statement was a good one. Some people (here too) believe the poor are only poor because they're lazy and don't feel like working. Reggie White obviously didn't think that way and that's a good thing.
posted on December 28, 2004 12:38:45 PM new
Well evidently you and I read that statement in a different light.
The part was he in "job service" was in my estimation a slam and that she meant it to be one. I just want to clearify what she wrote and that she was wrong.....
posted on December 28, 2004 06:34:23 PM new
He must have been a socialist or a communist of some kind to help anyone. Ask linda. She makes comments about socialism all the time. She should be able to tell you what its' about.
Bigots are miserable people. Prevent Bigotry through Education.
posted on December 28, 2004 06:55:59 PM new
Libra one article that I read said Reggie White received his calling to God when we was 17. If Reggie just stuck to his preaching and doing his good deeds would he be "as famous"? Did his football career shed more light on his "off the field" charitable work?
As far as Pat Tillman goes, yes his death was tragic as well, but again would he have received the notoriety in death if it was not for his football career and the money he turned down.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
---------------------------------- "Give it up for George W. Bush, the best friend international jihad ever had."
posted on December 28, 2004 07:33:19 PM new
Yeager like you are. You just can't get over it that there are some people that can make something from their lives no matter what color they are. So since you don't help anyone but yourself you aren't. But of course when you needed help someone was there to help you and you are still getting help. You are very ungreatful.
If you think other lives are special, like the person who died in Detroit why didn't you post it. Since we don't get any news about other states than it is up to you to post that information. Get the point. I post what I want and the information that I want and of course you do the same thing. So go ahead and post those articles and see what you get for responses.
_________________
Prevent Bigotry through Education.