UPDATE: Syracuse Wide Receiver Mike Williams on Life Support, has Not Passed Away
Several reports came out Tuesday evening indicating former Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams had passed away at age 36. However, now there is reporting citing his family and agent that says Williams had not passed but is on life support as a result of a construction site accident. The Tampa Bay Times quoted the mother of Williams’ eight year old daughter, Tierney Lyle.
“He was asleep when we went in there and he woke up when he heard our voices and his daughter’s voice,” Lyle said. “And he looked around, and he blinked and he was crying but he can’t move.”
Jon Scott of Spectrum News in Buffalo’s report was picked up by nearly every major media outlet Tuesday night.
The Tampa Bay Times report Wednesday that Williams is still alive was also confirmed by Michael Schwartz of WKBW in Buffalo, citing Williams’ agent.
Williams, a Buffalo native, was one of the most talented and productive wide receivers in Syracuse football history. Over three seasons, Williams caught 133 passes for 2,044 yards and 20 touchdowns. At one point, he caught a touchdown pass in nine straight games, setting a school record. Williams currently ranks ninth in school history in total receptions, eighth in total yards and is tied for second with Marvin Harrison in touchdown receptions.
His productivity and talent led to a fourth round NFL Draft selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010. Williams played five seasons in the NFL, four with the Bucs and one with the hometown Buffalo Bills. Over those five seasons, he caught 223 passes for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.
His two best seasons were his rookie year and his third campaign, both with the Bucs. Williams had 65 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. Two years later he had 63 catches for 996 yards and nine scores. After signing him to a contract extension, the Bucs traded Williams to the Bills prior to the 2014 season. The Bills would cut Williams prior to week 17 that year. His best game in Buffalo game against the Houston Texans, when Williams had two catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.
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