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Kirk Herbstreit sends heartfelt message after death of former Ohio State cornerback William White

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•07/28/22•

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William White, a former Ohio State and NFL cornerback, passed away Thursday after a bout with ALS. After the news came out, ESPN analyst and fellow former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit shared a heartfelt message on social media.

White, 56, was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. He played for Ohio State from 1984-87, starting at cornerback all four years and becoming a team captain as a senior, before heading to the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. In the NFL, White played for the Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons before his retirement in 1998.

Herbstreit, who arrived at Ohio State two years after White’s college career ended, took to Twitter to react to the news.

“When I heard about his diagnosis years ago I was in shock,” Herbstreit said of White. “He fought it like you’d expect, with uncommon valor. Known his family for many years-my thoughts and prayers to Nikol, their children, and the rest of the White family. So sorry for your loss.”

At Ohio State, White had 16 career interceptions before heading to the NFL. During his 11-year career in the league, he had 20 interceptions to go with 720 career tackles and 3.5 sacks. Upon his retirement, he headed back to Columbus to work for the university.

Lions special assistant to the president and chairperson Chris Spielman — also a former Ohio State player — also released a statement about White’s passing, reflecting on his time in Detroit.

“I loved William,” Spielman stated. “We shared experiences of joy and sorrow on and off the field. He was and always will be my brother. I am forever grateful for the special moment last year when he was able to be by my side durign the Pride of the Lions ceremony at Ford Field. I can’t wait to see him again when he will be free from ALS. May God’s peace rest upon his family.”