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Reggie White, Defender of Faith -- On and Off the Field

by James L. Lambert and Jody Brown
December 28, 2004

(AgapePress) - Reggie White is being remembered as much for his Christian faith and character as for his prowess on the gridiron.

Reggie White, an outspoken Christian and former all-pro NFL defensive end, died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 43. The medical examiner in Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, says the "Minister of Defense," as White was known, may have died because of a respiratory disease combined with other health problems. Sleep apnea, the examiner's report says, may have been a factor.

White played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he set school records for the most sacks in a career, season, and game. He then went on to a stellar, all-pro career in professional football, exhibiting much of the same skill in getting into the opponent's backfield and bringing down the quarterback or running back for a loss of yardage. After two seasons in the now-defunct USFL, he moved on to the National Football League where he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and the Carolina Panthers -- and was voted to play in 13 Pro Bowls.

In 1993 White signed a then-record $17 million contract with the Packers. Several years later (1997), he and quarterback Brett Favre led Green Bay to its first NFL title since 1968. In 1994 he was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary team. When he retired from the NFL following the 2000 season, he was the league's all-time sacks leader.

But for all those accolades and achievements, White also was remembered on Sunday for his character and integrity. As former NFL linebacker and now Detroit Lions chief executive Matt Millen told Associated Press, "as great a player as Reggie was, he was a better person -- and it isn't close." And NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said White was one of pro football's "greatest defensive players" and "a positive influence on so many young people."

Known as a fearless defensive end in his playing days, White was also known as a profound advocate of his Christian beliefs and his allegiance to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Former Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Dokie Williams said on Sunday that White "was an awesome individual. He loved the Lord!" Williams added that the former all-pro expressed "a real love for [people] and anyone whom he ran into. Reggie's heart was as big as he was."

White, who became known for his work with inner-city youths, was a friend and supporter of former San Diego Charger cornerback Gil Bryd, who has an organization that also targets at-risk inner-city kids for help and encouragement from professional athletes like White.

In his playing days, Reggie was regularly spotted on the field after a game praying with players from both teams and encouraging them in the Christian faith. White also became known as a courageous man of faith, unafraid to take on "politically incorrect" subject matter. For example, White was persecuted by the secular media in the late 1990s for his biblical stands on homosexuality and the family.

Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose-Driven Life and former team chaplain for the Los Angeles Rams, met White at some pre-game chapel services. Warren remembers White as "a strong model and example of a man of values and character." And Rabbi Daniel Lapin of Toward Tradition describes White as "an exemplary husband and a fantastic father."

"Nothing he did on the playing field tarnished his role as a father, and nothing he did off the field tarnished his reputation as a husband," Lapin writes. And noting White's strength of conviction, the rabbi says "unlike lesser men, he had the courage to say true but unpopular things -- things we all needed to hear." Lapin then wonders: "Who will do that now?"

White is survived by his wife Sara and two children, Jeremy and Jecholia.

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