h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Logged on to NFL.com tonight and was confronted with the surprising news that ex-Eagles / Packers DE Reggie White died from massive heart attack this morning, aged 43.

The "Minister of Defense" was the NFL's premier defensive player during the late 1980s / 1990s, going to 13 consecutive Pro Bowls ('86-98) and exiting the game in 2000 as the career sack leader. It was only last year, in 2003, that Bruce Smith overtook him despite both having begun their careers in 1985. Next year Reggie White will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is certain to be elected.

BBS

Yeah, I saw that today when I logged on this morning from work as well.
Another Football player passing away long before his time was due.

Certain first-year inductee for the HoF.

I seem to remember reading a stat a few years back that, on average, offensive linemen die at age 50! Perhaps there were some proviso's involved but I can well believe. It's only a few years ago that Steelers center Mike Webster died.

Indeed linemen take a few more collisions than players at other positions for 20+ year (including high school etc) and these days are carrying around far more weight than is healthy, even when it is muscle.

I looked up the stats on Reggie and he was 6'5" and 300lb. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs, and a fairly athletic build. Scaling doesn't account for the 50% 50% more weight he's carrying around, so I'm not surprised his heart and body have so much more stress on them.

When all the post-mortems are done that may not account for the cause of this death, but it certainly gets you wondering about whether it's worth playing.

BBS

I was pretty stunned by the news...

He was a truly gentle man playing in a violent sport. Pity.

I just found a link at IMdb where Reggie White is the star of a movie...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117457/

Found it after looking at Brett Favre's bio on there (since he was in There's Something About Mary and all).


Anyone seen this?

Er no ... it's got 3.4 out of 10 votes from 31 people.

And look at that cast ... MC Hammer and Mike Holmgren the Janitor!

I'm doubting the TV stations will be putting this on in memory of him ...

BBS

A shame I used to hate him stopping the Dallas Offense. But he was a monster in whatever line he lined up in. Shame he won't be there for his indunction into the hall of fame.