Editor's Note: Tierney Lyle, the mother of Mike Williams' daughter, provided an update Wednesday afternoon according to Rick Stroud with the Tampa Bay Times that Williams is currently on life support.
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mike Williams has tragically passed away at 36.
A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by his father, has been launched on a website to raise funds to support his family's travel expenses during his hospitalization. The post also reveals that Williams had experienced a workplace accident, resulting in paralysis and respiratory difficulties.
Williams made a significant impact as a standout wide receiver at the University of Syracuse from 2006 to 2009. During college, he accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and scored 20 touchdowns, leaving an indelible mark on the Syracuse football program.
In 2010, Williams embarked on his NFL journey when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him in the fourth Round. He played four seasons with Tampa and throughout his tenure, he amassed over 200 receptions, 2,900 receiving yards, and contributed 25 touchdowns to the team.
Facing challenges during his time in Tampa, Mike Williams was eventually acquired by the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a sixth-round pick prior to the 2014 season. He had the opportunity to join his hometown team and made notable contributions, including catching a touchdown pass from E.J. Manuel in a game against the Houston Texans in 2014.
Following his release from the Bills in December 2014, Williams continued his NFL career by signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. However, his tenure with the Chiefs was short-lived, as he was released during training camp.
Mike Williams was a proud native of Buffalo, having attended Riverside High School. During his high school years, he earned All-State recognition as a wide receiver and received All-Western New York honors in basketball, sharing this accolade with future NBA players Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn, who hail from Niagara Falls. His athletic achievements at the high school level foreshadowed a career that would leave an enduring legacy in college and professional football.