Mike Williams, the NFL wide receiver who starred for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died, his agent confirmed Tuesday. He was 36.
Williams was on life support for a week after suffering a serious head injury in a construction accident while working in Tampa.
Late last week, Williams was taken off life support and briefly capable of breathing on his own, the Tampa Bay Times reported. However, Williams’ agent, Hadley Engelhard, told NFL Network on Tuesday that Williams had died.
“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,” the Buccaneers said Tuesday in a statement. “We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy.”
Williams was born in Buffalo and starred at Syracuse University before the Bucs selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Williams’ first season in the league was his best, as he racked up 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
After three more seasons with the Bucs, Williams was traded to his hometown Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2014 season, which would be his last in the league.
In late August, Williams was working at a construction site in the Tampa area when a steel beam fell on his head, according to his family. A few days later, he collapsed at home and was rushed to a hospital.
Williams’ family gathered in Tampa to see him one final time, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family, friends and everyone in the Syracuse football family who knew Mike,” said Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack.
