Mike Williams (1987–2023), former NFL wide receiver 

Mike Williams was an NFL wide receiver who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016 as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Died: September 12, 2023 (Who else died on September 12?) 
• Details of death: Died in Tampa, Florida, after a construction accident at the age of 36.
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Mike Williams’ legacy

A star athlete at Riverside Institute of Technology high school in Buffalo, Williams went to Syracuse and led his team as a freshman with 461 receiving yards on 24 receptions. In his sophomore year, he was an all-Big East second-team selection, tying a school record with 60 receptions, 837 yards, and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games.

As a fourth-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams started all 16 games in his rookie year, setting a franchise record with 11 touchdowns. He led all rookie receivers in yardage, reception, and touchdowns. Williams placed second for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, he was a finalist for the NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Year, and he was named to the Sporting News NFL All-Rookie Team. He had an equally successful second season, but in 2013, he was put on injured reserve.

Williams was traded to his hometown Buffalo Bills in 2014, where he played for one season. He ended up on the injured reserve list again, and he was briefly on the Kansas City Chiefs roster before being released. Following his NFL career, Williams went into the construction industry in Tampa Bay, Florida. He was killed when a steel beam fell on him, putting him in a medically induced coma.

Tributes to Mike Williams

Full obituary: CNN 

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