(7-31-22) 1983 Lima Sr. grad William White passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022  from ALS at the age of 56.

White was diagnosed in 2016 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the legendary baseball player who died from it.

White is survived by his wife, Nikol, and three children, sons William Jr., Brendon and daughter Brea.

Lima Sr. graduate William White played college football at Ohio State University (1984-87). He was drafted in 1988 by the Detroit Lions who also drafted his Ohio State teammate Chris Spielman. He became a starting safety for the Lions during his second season and would play with the team for six seasons. After his time with Detroit, he played for Kansas City and finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He had 20 interceptions over 11 NFL seasons. He was first diagnosed with ALS in 2016. When Chris Spielman was inducted in 2021 into Detroit’s “Pride of the Lions,” Spielman gave his honorary jacket to White, who was in attendance. Spielman said to White at the ceremony.

“To my friend and my brother, this is not my moment, this is our moment.”

A special tribute from Twitter–