White, Reggie (1961-2004), ranks among the greatest defensive linemen in football history. White was known for his strength, quickness, and durability, and for his ability to rush the passer. He held the National Football League (NFL) record for the number of sacks (tackles of the passer for a loss of yards) during a career, with 198, until Bruce Smith broke the record in 2003. White earned the nickname “Minister of Defense” for his dominating play. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl team as defensive end a number of times.
Reginald Howard White was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Dec. 19, 1961. He attended the University of Tennessee from 1980 to 1983, winning All-American honors. He played for the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League in 1984 and 1985. White was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL in the 1984 supplemental draft. He played with the Eagles for eight seasons from 1985 to 1992. In 1993, he signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers. White helped lead the Packers to victory in the 1997 Super Bowl. He retired after the 1998 season but returned in 2000 to play for the Carolina Panthers. He retired again in 2001.
White was active in social and charity work. He worked with inner-city youth in campaigns against drug and alcohol abuse, and in efforts to encourage young people to stay in school. White also was an ordained minister and preached regularly in churches of various denominations. He was associate pastor of the Inner City Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. White died on Dec. 26, 2004, of heart failure. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
