Mike Williams, a former NFL wide receiver, died at the age of 36 after being injured in a construction site accident in Hillsborough County, Florida, which encompasses Tampa. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his previous team, reported his death on social media.
The Buccaneers acknowledged Williams' death on Tuesday and expressed their sympathies to his family and loved ones.
His mother, Mary Rosenthal, told WIVB-TV in Buffalo, New York, that her family needed a "Hail Mary" after Williams was taken off a ventilator Friday. Rosenthal told WIVB that Williams was conducting electrical work when a steel beam was dropped on his head last month. He initially walked away from the accident, but his symptoms deteriorated as he complained of headaches.
He was admitted to the hospital days later after losing feeling in his legs and developing a staph infection, she informed the station. He underwent surgery and was put on life support.
A tribute to former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams
Mike Williams was born on May 18, 1987. He was the fourth and youngest child of Michael and Denise Williams. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, he facedvarious challenges. His skills at Riverside Institute of Technology were football and basketball. Senior standout receiver and All-Western New York selection. For the school's basketball team, he averaged 28 points per game. Despite receiving many offers, he chose Syracuse University football.
Career
Mike Williams was selected by Tampa Bay in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He paid $3.1 million over four years to join the team. He was a standout rookie, leading all rookies in receptions (65), yards (964), and touchdowns (11). His vote for Offensive Rookie of the Year came in second to Sam Bradford's. In 2013, he agreed to a six-year contract worth $40.25 million with the organization.
In 2014, he was dealt to his hometown Buffalo Bills for a sixth-round pick. He had eight catches for 142 yards and one touchdown in nine Bills games. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, but was dismissed before the season began. He retired from football in 2016 following a brief run with the Toronto Argonauts.
Syracuse University issued a declaration of condolences on Tuesday.
Williams had three excellent seasons for the Orange, compiling numbers that placed him in the top ten of various categories among wide receivers and offensive players, according to the statement. According to the university, Williams is the program's all-time leader in consecutive games with a touchdown catch, having scored in 10 straight games.
According to NBC Sports, he concluded his career with 223 catches for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.