In a heartbreaking turn of events, former National Football League (NFL) wide receiver Mike Williams tragically passed away, following a severe construction accident. The news of his untimely death has left the sports world in shock and mourning.
Williams, who was just 36 years old, had been battling for his life in a hospital for over a week after sustaining a catastrophic head injury on a construction site.
Reports emerged on September 5th that the ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills player had been involved in a major accident at work. A steel beam fell on his head, causing a massive injury that led to swelling in his brain and a ruptured spinal cord.
We are saddened to learn that former Bills Wide Receiver Mike Williams has passed away.
Our deepest condolences are with his friends and family. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/DfGtKkVxRQ
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 12, 2023
Two days after the incident, it was revealed that Williams was fighting for his life in the hospital. Despite being taken off life support, he remained in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with no significant change in his condition.
His agent, Hadley Engelhard, confirmed the devastating news of his death to the NFL Network, stating, “He will be missed. He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Williams spent most of his professional career, expressed their deep sorrow over his passing.
In a statement, they said, “We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates, and fans with heavy hearts. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy.”
Before his professional career, Williams was a standout at Syracuse University. His record of 20 touchdowns is tied for second-most in school history with Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. His talent was undeniable, and his potential seemed limitless.
Before the #Bucs had Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, they had Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams.
Both of them taken from us far too soon. pic.twitter.com/HqUISnE2jc
— Rhett Matthew (@Rhettakus) September 12, 2023
Williams was drafted by Tampa Bay in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, leading the team with 964 receiving yards.
His 65 receptions were just one shy of tying the team lead. He also scored 11 times, the most on the team, and his impressive campaign earned him a second-place honor for Offensive Rookie of the Year behind St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.
Despite signing an extension worth close to $40 million before the 2013 campaign, Williams’ career took a downturn. He played in just six games that year and was then traded to his hometown Buffalo Bills, where he spent one season.
However, his career never quite reached the heights it promised. In his professional career, he caught 223 passes for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.
