Former NFL defensive end Steve White, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets, has died at the age of 48.
White passed away following a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He posted on Twitter in April that he was in need of a bone marrow transplant.
“Hi. Many of you know that I have been dealing with a cancer (CLL) diagnosis over the last 8 years. I am now at a point where I need to go through a bone marrow transplant. It is something I knew would eventually have to happen since 2017 and now that day is actually here,” he wrote.
Hi. Many of you know that I have been dealing with a cancer (CLL) diagnosis over the last 8 years. I am now at a point where I need to go through a bone marrow transplant. It is something I knew would eventually have to happen since 2017 and now that day is actually here.
— Stephen White (@sgw94) April 6, 2022
“I’m fortunate to have a wonderful big brother who is both a match and willing to donate, but many people aren’t as fortunate,” he added. “Black people, in particular, are severely under-represented on bone marrow registries. All it takes is a swab and you might be able to save a life.”
In another April post, the former NFL player mentioned that he was entering the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to start the process, expecting to be at the facility for several weeks.
White was a dominant defensive player in college with the University of Tennessee from 1992 to 1995, helping them end 11-1 in his last year. The Volunteers ranked third in the nation in the season’s final AP poll.
During his career with the Volunteers, White recorded 105 tackles, 20 sacks, and 16 tackles for a loss.
#64Days: #VFL64 Steve White was a DE for the Vols from 1992-95. He recorded 105 tackles, 20 sacks, and 16 TFLs! pic.twitter.com/WMwcSabrOA
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) July 3, 2015
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected White in the sixth round of the 1996 draft. He played six seasons with the Bucs before retiring after a seventh season with the New York Jets.
White’s last pro season ranked as his best. He made six sacks, four tackles for a loss, and 25 overall tackles to end his NFL career.
Several former NFL and college teammates offered tributes online upon hearing the news of White’s death.
NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp was among those who expressed condolences regarding his former teammate.
“RIP Steve White #94 in your Program but #1 in Our hearts!!” he tweeted.
RIP Steve White #94 in your Program but #1 in Our hearts!! #SmartToughAndGreatMan #DLine pic.twitter.com/8XWISRONbA
— Warren Sapp (@WarrenSapp) August 31, 2022
“Just heard my former teammate @sgw94 passed away,” former Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King tweeted. “Condolences to his family and loved ones. Always had an encouraging word for me when I was a young player with the @Buccaneers.”
Just heard my former teammate @sgw94 passed away. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Always had am encouraging word for me when I was a young player with the @Buccaneers
— shaun king (@realshaunking) August 31, 2022
“#RIP to my road game roommate @sgw94,” former teammate Tyoka Jackson tweeted. “My condolences go out to his wife, children, family and friends. The memories, the fun, the conversations will never be forgotten.”
#RIP to my road game roommate @sgw94. My condolences go out to his wife, children, family and friends. The memories, the fun, the conversations will never be forgotten. 🙏🏽
— Tyoka Jackson (@Tyknowsfootball) August 31, 2022