Former Ohio State star, NFL player dies at 56
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 19: A detailed view of an Ohio State Buckeyes helmet and shoulder pads is seen resting on the court in action during the Big Ten Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats on December 19, 2020 at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the footballing world received bad news when a beloved former player passed away.
William White, who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, died this week, according to a statement from the Detroit Lions. He was 56 years old.
After a stellar career with the Buckeyes, the Lions drafted White in the fourth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played six seasons with the team and appeared in 95 games – with 79 starts.
White and former Ohio State star Chris Spielman continued their NFL friendship with Buckeye when they were in the same 1988 Lions draft class.
Spielman, a current Lions executive, remembered his longtime friend.
“I loved William,” he said. “We shared experiences of joy and sorrow on and off the pitch. He was and always will be my brother. I am eternally grateful for the special moment last year when he was able to be by my side during the Pride of Lions ceremony at Ford Field. Can’t wait to see him when he’s released from ALS. May the peace of God rest upon his family.”
Our thoughts are with the White family.