Former NFL player Steve White passed away at the age of 48 on Wednesday, his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, confirmed. “Steve was an impactful and respected member of the Buccaneers’ vaunted defenses over six seasons,” the Buccaneers said in a statement.
Eight years prior to his death, White was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and underwent a bone marrow transplant.
The Buccaneers posted on Twitter, “We are saddened to hear of Steve White’s passing after his courageous battle with cancer.” “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.”
The statement concluded, “We extend our deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
In 2017, White used Twitter to reveal that he had been diagnosed with cancer. After receiving a diagnosis of chronic lymphomatic leukemia in 2014, he informed his fans that a bone marrow transplant would be necessary in April. “Hey. For the past eight years, as many of you are aware, I have been coping with a cancer (CLL) diagnosis,” he posted on Twitter.
“I have reached a stage where a bone marrow transplant is necessary. I’ve known since 2017 that this would eventually need to happen, and the time has finally come.”
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On social media, White’s friends and former teammates responded. Warren Sapp, for example, shared a fond memory of White and him on the field: the two of them proudly tackled their opponent.
“We hold Steve White #1 in our hearts, but he’s #94 in your program! RIP! #WiseToughAndGreatMan#DLine,” Sapp penned.”
The Philadelphia Eagles selected the Memphis, Tennessee native in the 1996 NFL Draft. After that, White played for the Buccaneers for six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he was a formidable defensive player.
In 2002, White’s playing career came to an end with the New York Jets.
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