The Lions lost a longtime member of their family Thursday when former safety William White passed away at the age of 56 after a long fight with ALS. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 2016.
White spent the first six seasons of his 11-career in Detroit, playing in all but one game over that stretch. He was a key part of two playoff teams, including the 1991 division-winning team that also notched the Lions' only playoff win in the Super Bowl era.
White arrived in Detroit in 1988 along with fellow Ohio State product Chris Spielman. The two spent the next six seasons together and maintained a close friendship to the day of White's passing.
When Spielman was inducted into the Pride of the Lions last season, he presented White with his honorary blue jacket during the ceremony at Ford Field.
"I loved William," Spielman said in an official statement Thursday night. "We shared experiences of joy and sorry on and off the field. He was and always will be my brother. I am forever grateful for the special moment last year when he was able to be by my side during the Pride of the Lions ceremony at Ford Field.
"I can't wait to see him again when he will be free from ALS. May God's peace rest upon his family."
