Photo: Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty
Former Detroit Lions safety William White has died at age 56.
On Thursday, the team announced White’s passing in astatementon Twitter, and said he had dealt with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) over the last six years.
He continued, “I can’t wait to see him again when he will be free from ALS. May God’s peace rest upon his family.”
White’s son Brendon White also shared a tribute to his father on social media Thursday.
“I love you Dad! Keep watching down on us I know you gonna watch over and protect us,” he wrote onTwitter. “I promise with all my heart you’ll see me in a NFL jersey as we promised each other! We love and miss you!”
He added, “I promise to make you proud. U always taught me no one or thing determines my success.”
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White played for six seasons in Detroit and appeared in 95 games after being drafted in the fourth round of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He made 450 tackles and 13 interceptions while playing for the Lions.
During his NFL career, White also spent three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and two with the Atlanta Falcons.
White played five postseason games during his 11 years in the league, and helped the Falcons to their 1999 NFC championship win. The team ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.
Paul Spinelli via AP
The athlete made a team-high nine tackles in the Super Bowl, which was his final game in the NFL.
White played 170 games and completed 20 interceptions and 721 tackles before retiring.
source: people.com
