NFL Defensive Great Reggie White Dies

**Mom23boys** · 12-27-2004, 10:55 AM

By PAUL NOWELL
CORNELIUS, N.C. (AP) - Reggie White, a fearsome defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers and one of the NFL's greatest players, died Sunday, his wife said. He was 43.

The cause of death was not immediately known, however White had a respiratory ailment for several years that affected his sleep, according to Keith Johnson, a pastor serving as family spokesman. An autopsy was scheduled.

White died at Presbyterian Hospital, where he was taken after his wife called 911. A police officer was outside White's Tudor-style home in a gated community, and would not let a reporter approach the house.

A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and ordained minister who was known as the ``Minister of Defense,'' White played a total of 15 years with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's all-time leader in sacks with 198. The mark has since been passed by Bruce Smith.

**guest2** · 12-27-2004, 03:50 PM

I feel so badly for his family. He was so young. ;( They think he died of Sleep Apnea. It's a fairly common condition and tends to run in families. This has me really scared because my father, FIL, MIL and husband all have the same thing. My FIL, MIL and father all have breathing masks they wear at night to keep them from stopping breathing but my husband has yet to go and have a sleep study done so that our insurance will cover the cost of the breathing mask. I begged him to get into the doctor soon and get this taken care of.