Brian Blanco/AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during an NFL football game September 29, 2013 in Tampa.
CNN –
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died Tuesday morning after being taken off life support at a hospital in Tampa, Florida following a construction accident, his agent Hadley Engelhard told CNN. Williams was 36.
According to Engelhard, Williams was doing electrical work when he was seriously injured and had to be taken to the hospital.
“He will be missed. He fought hard throughout his life. Prayers to his family,” Engelhard said.
Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University. The New York native was named the Associated Press’ second offensive rookie of the year after catching 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. He started all 16 games for the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers and Syracuse Orange expressed their condolences.
“We are saddened by the untimely death of Mike Williams, which leaves our organization, his former teammates and fans with a heavy heart. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy,” the Buccaneers said wrote on social media.
Brian Blanco/AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) breaks free during an NFL football game September 25, 2011 in Tampa.
Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said in a statement: “We are saddened by the tragic death of former Syracuse student-athlete Mike Williams. We extend our deepest condolences to Mike’s family, friends and all members of the Syracuse football family who knew Mike.”
After four seasons with Tampa Bay, Williams was traded to his hometown team, the Buffalo Bills, where he played one season. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016 before being released four months later.
In his career, Williams had 223 receptions for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns in 63 NFL games.