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Update
Mike Williams is currently on life support following construction accident, and hasn’t passed according to Tampa Bay Times Rick Stroud, who corrected a report by Spectrum News in Buffalo.
Original Story:
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams, 36, tragically lost his life on Tuesday following an accident at a construction site, according to Spectrum News in Buffalo.
Williams, a Buffalo native who attended Syracuse University, had a promising football career that began in the NFL as a fourth-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft.
During his rookie season, Williams led the Buccaneers with 964 receiving yards on 65 catches, while also scoring 11 touchdowns, the most on the team that year.
His performance earned him second place in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year, just behind Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.
Williams continued to impress later on in the 2012 season, amassing 996 receiving yards and scoring 9 touchdowns, which led the Buccaneers to sign him to a six-year, $40.25 million contract ahead of the 2013 campaign.
However, he was later traded to his hometown team, the Buffalo Bills, in exchange for a 6th round pick, where he spent one season.
Mike Williams left a mark on the NFL, especially in Tampa Bay and Buffalo. His 20 touchdowns at Syracuse University remain tied for the second-most in school history, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.
The NFL community mourns the loss of Mike Williams.
Dang man hurts my heart seeing the news of my former teammate and Buccaneers 2010 draft class brother Mike Williams. Always great energy, brought joy and laughter to the locker room and a heck of a player!! Prayers and blessings to his family!! 🙏🏾😔
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) September 6, 2023