Mike Williams “has been taken off life support and remains responsive,” the family reveals as they ask for prayers as he continues to fight after the horrific construction accident
- Local media in Buffalo reported this week that Mike Williams was dead
- But he’s still fighting for his life in a hospital in Tampa, Florida
- offers the latest international sports news
Former NFL star Mike Williams has been taken off life support and remains responsive, according to his daughter’s mother.
Williams suffered a freak accident while working at a construction site, and local media in Buffalo reported earlier this week that he had died.
But as Tierney Lyle – the mother of Williams’ eight-year-old daughter – told WIVB News 4, the former wide receiver was taken off his ventilator Thursday evening and is still fighting for his life in a hospital in Tampa, Florida.
“We need prayer warriors to keep praying and spreading the word,” she said.
“He’s tough on everything he does. He doesn’t give up easily at all.”
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams is reportedly still fighting for his life in the hospital
Williams, pictured during the 2014 Hall of Fame Game, was believed to have died after an accident while working at a construction site – and now he is dead
According to WIVB News 4, two people close to Williams say he suffered the accident on August 21 and it was not initially thought to be life-threatening.
Williams was reportedly hit in the head with a beam while doing electrical work, but the cut eventually became infected.
He was then hospitalized on September 1 and later placed in a coma.
Further details of the accident were previously revealed on a GoFundMe page reportedly set up by Williams’ father, Wendell Muhammed.
The page was created to help Williams’ father, who lives in Dallas, Texas, travel to the Tampa Bay hospital.
Williams’ father further explained that the ex-NFL star suffered from swelling in his brain and spinal cord as well as complete paralysis in his right arm and below the waist.
According to a Tampa Bay Times report, Lyle also spoke to reporters outside St. Joseph’s Hospital after visiting on Wednesday.
She said, “They were waiting for me and (his daughter).” We’re here and we’re still trying to figure it out.
“He was asleep when we went in, and he woke up when he heard our voices and his daughter’s. “And he looked around, blinking and crying, but couldn’t move.”
Williams shakes hands with Bills owner Terry Pegula (right) before a game against the Vikings
Williams earned a total of $11.8 million during his five-year NFL career before making his final appearance in 2014
Lyle added of her little daughter, “She’s crazy.” She cried so much yesterday and today. She’s just angry.
“That was daddy’s girl.” She’s a gymnast. A natural talent since she was about 4 years old. She was blessed with all these abilities.’
In his five-year NFL career, Williams recorded 223 receptions for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The Syracuse college star played for the Buccaneers and Bills and played his last NFL game in 2014.