The late 80s and the 90s were the times when Philadelphia Eagles proudly boasted its most terrifying defenses in NFL history. The XXXL SB champion’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers is another unforgettable tale. The most-feared DEs Reggie White, who transformed the course of this sport by becoming its biggest endorser, bid farewell to the world in 2004 on the same day when humanity witnessed one of the deadliest disasters.

White, whose ferocity on the field resembled a cheetah’s hunting traits, finished his glorious career with 198 sacks in 2000, an incredible record, that was later broken by Bills‘ Bruce Smith. The fearless athlete and a man with a jovial personality left his million fans heartbroken by his sudden demise. The tragedy didn’t end there as the world mourned mother nature’s wrath on that very day.

The earth shook when Reggie White died

Reggie White, a 13-time Pro Bowler, passed away on December 26, 2004, at the age of 43. While his wife, Sara White mourned what destiny had planned, Bill Horn, his family friend and longtime marketing agent, expressed in a heavy voice, “The earth shook when he died.”

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As paramedics moved the 6’5”, 300-pound legend, who died from cardiac arrhythmia (caused by his untreated sleep apnea), the world also mourned the wrath of mother nature. It was the same day when the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake led to massive Tsunami waves that engulfed a staggering 225,000 lives, leaving catastrophic effects in the years to come. Also recalled as Boxing Day, this was Asia’s most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the 21st century that devastated communities surrounding the coastline of the Indian Ocean.

Reggie White, who always believed in celebrating life, died from a disease many hadn’t heard of. However, his life and legacy still continue to inspire and give hope to those who suffer from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder when breathing repeatedly starts and stops.

Reggie White, widely regarded as the man for paving the way for a change in NFL, was found with an unused CPAP machine on his bedside. While the greatest DEs in NFL history bid adieu, leaving behind an unmatchable inspiration, it was Reggie’s support system, his wife, Sara White, who fought the bigger battles in the years to come.

On the brighter side, Sara’s speech “That was White” from his posthumous induction into the 2006 Hall of Fame continues to echo in the hearts of Reggie White fans.

Sara White treats White’s honors like mitzvahs!

Reggie White’s statement, “One thing I don’t think my critics realize about me is that I’ve been trained to look adversity in the face,” is something that continues to give an adrenaline rush to both, his proteges and NFL aficionados. But there is one more person who left an imprint on the hearts of his fan, and that’s none other than his wife.

When Reggie was posthumously inducted into the 2006 Hall of Fame, Sara White gave a speech, connecting the entire NFL community with the man behind the ferocious DE, who brought the Packers the 1997 Super Bowl glory since the era of Vince Lombardi.

The woman, who ardently supported her man, and treated his “honors like mitzvahs”, said at one point: “We knew Reggie, Reggie’s history in football. Just like Jeremy said, Reggie’s legacy will live on through you. If you continue to do what you need to do, and your family first, your community, your school, at your work job, your legacy, you would take Reggie’s spirit and legacy with you because that’s what he would want you to do.”

From quoting his coach, Robert Pulliam, to narrating the story of a man who believed in his principles, Sara White’s speech was a time-travel to Reggie White’s passion for football. She wasn’t alone, White’s son Jeremy White, aptly added about his father: “He is inducted today not because of his athletic achievements, but because he was a great player on the field in accordance with being a great person throughout life.”

Courtesy of his wife, Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation, continues to provide help to people from all walks of life. His NFL legacy continues to serve as the perfect inspiration for wreaking havoc when it comes to the game. Let’s say if the fast-as-lightening man could be transported to the Tom Brady-era, he’d surely have taken the former QB out of his comfort zone!

The 2023 NFL season is about to start and those out there seeking inspiration need to chant White! because oh boy, wasn’t he unbelievably athletic?

Watch This Story: WATCH: Former Red Sox Baseman David Ortiz Pays a Special Tribute to NFL Defensive Legend Reggie White During NLCS Broadcast