Buccaneer Steve White dead at 48
“Steve was an impactful and respected member of the Buccaneers’ vaunted defenses over six seasons,” the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said in a statement
Former NFL player Steve White died at the age of 48, according to his former organization, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Wednesday.
White died eight years after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and receiving a bone marrow transplant.
“We are saddened to learn of Steve White’s demise following his valiant battle with cancer,” the Buccaneers announced on Twitter. “Over six seasons, Steve was an impactful and respected member of the Buccaneers’ renowned defenses, and he continued to interact with fans as a member of the Tampa Bay community beyond his playing career.”
“We express our heartfelt sympathy to Steve’s family, friends, and loved ones,” the statement added.
White first disclosed his cancer diagnosis on Twitter in 2017. He had been diagnosed 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 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.”
Friends and former teammates of White’s reacted on social media, including Warren Sapp, who shared a favorite memory from 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.”
The Philadelphia Eagles selected the Memphis, Tennessee native in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. White went on to play six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he was a dominant defensive force.
White’s playing career came to an end with the New York Jets in 2002.