Steve White.Photo: Elsa/Allsport
Former NFL playerSteve Whitepassed away at the age of 48, his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, confirmed Wednesday.
White had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia eight years before his death, and had received a bone marrow transplant.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Steve White after his courageous battle with cancer,” the Buccaneers said on Twitter. “Steve was an impactful and respected member of the Buccaneers' vaunted defenses over six seasons and continued to connect with fans as part of the Tampa Bay community following his playing career.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and loved ones,” the statement concluded.
White first disclosed his cancer diagnosison Twitterin 2017. He had beendiagnosed with chronic lymphomatic leukemia in 2014, and told fans he would need a bone marrow transplant in April. “Hi. Many of you know that I have been dealing with a cancer (CLL) diagnosis over the last 8 years,“he wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Andy Lyons/Allsport
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Friends and former teammates of White’s reacted on social media, includingWarren Sapp, who shared a favorite memoryfrom his time with White on the field, as the two proudly tackled their opponent.
“RIP Steve White #94 in your Program but #1 in Our hearts!!#SmartToughAndGreatMan#DLine,” wrote Sapp.”
White finished his playing career with theNew York Jetsin 2002.
source: people.com
