Former NFL wide receiver, Mike Williams has passed away, his agent announced Tuesday. The former football player was only 36-years-old.
His agent, Hadley Engelhard revealed that Williams died Tuesday morning at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. According to TMZ, Williams had been hospitalized in intensive care after an accident at a construction site that left him partially paralyzed. The mother of Williams’ daughter revealed that he was taken off a ventilator Thursday.
“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 in a statement. “We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy.”
Mike Williams was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers (formerly the San Diego Chargers) as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson University and was highly regarded for his size, physicality, and ability to make contested catches. Williams faced some injury issues during his rookie season in 2017, which limited his playing time and impact on the field. He finished his rookie year with 11 receptions for 95 yards and zero touchdowns.
In the subsequent seasons, Mike Williams began to establish himself as a key component of the Chargers’ passing game. He developed a reputation for making big plays and being a red-zone threat. Williams’ combination of size and athleticism made him a valuable target for the Chargers’ quarterbacks. In the 2018 season, Williams had a breakout year, recording 43 receptions for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns. He continued to be a reliable target for the team’s quarterbacks and contributed to the Chargers’ offense.
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Mike Williams remained an important part of the Chargers’ receiving corps in the following seasons. He showcased his ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches. His performance on the field earned him recognition as one of the promising young receivers in the league.