Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams, who had a promising career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs, tragically passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 36. The devastating news follows a construction accident in Tampa, Florida, which left him hospitalized and eventually led to his life support being discontinued, according to his agent Hadley Engelhard.
Williams had been performing electrical work when the accident occurred, resulting in severe injuries that required hospitalization. Engelhard, while confirming the heartbreaking news, paid tribute to Williams’s resilience, saying, “He will be missed. He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family.”
Williams’s football journey began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, hailing from Syracuse University. The Buffalo, New York native quickly made an impact in his rookie year, earning second place for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This recognition came on the back of an impressive season where Williams caught 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns while starting all 16 games for the Buccaneers.
Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Syracuse University expressed their condolences and sadness at the untimely passing of the former player. The Buccaneers shared their grief on social media, writing, “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.”
Syracuse director of athletics John Wildhack also released a statement, saying, “We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former Syracuse student-athlete Mike Williams. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family, friends, and everyone in the Syracuse football family who knew Mike.”
After spending four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams was traded to the Buffalo Bills, fulfilling his dream of playing for his hometown team. However, he played just one season with the Bills before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. Unfortunately, his time with the Chiefs was short-lived as he was released just four months later.
During his NFL career, Williams showcased his skills with a total of 223 receptions for 3,089 yards and an impressive 26 touchdowns in 63 games.
This unexpected loss has left the football community in mourning as they remember the talented wide receiver who made a significant impact on the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Williams’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
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