Mike Williams, a former wide receiver in the NFL, passed away, according to his agent. He was 36. Williams passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida, according to agent Hadley Engelhard on Tuesday morning.
Williams was largely paralyzed in an accident at a construction site in Hillsborough County, which contains Tampa, and was hospitalized in intensive care. Williams’ 8-year-old daughter, Tierney Lyle, was Williams’ source for the Tampa Bay Times’ allegation that he was taken off a ventilator on Thursday.
Williams played close by at Syracuse University and was from Buffalo, New York.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers release a statement sending commiserations
In 2010, after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round, he made a big impression by collecting 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished second in the voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his total of touchdowns and receptions set the single-season club record at the time for any player.
Buccaneers said in a statement,
“We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates and fans with heavy hearts,” “We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy.”
Williams played for the Buccaneers for four seasons and the Buffalo Bills for one in 2014, compiling 223 catches for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns in 63 games (52 starts).
Williams last appeared on an NFL roster with the Kansas City Chiefs for a portion of the 2016 offseason.
