Former NFL Star Reggie White Dead at Age 43

Former NFL all-time sacks leader Reggie White has died at the age of 43.

White, a defensive lineman who retired in 2000 after 15 years in the NFL, suffered a massive heart attack at his North Carolina home, said a report on the Web site of the Philadelphia Eagles, one of his former teams.

At the time of his retirement White held the record for career sacks of 198. His total has since been passed by Bruce Smith.

"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in a statement on NFL.com.

"Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people.

"We are deeply saddened by his loss and extend our deepest sympathy to Reggie's wife Sara and his entire family."

White, who was also an ordained minister, played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, where he played on a Super Bowl winner in 1997, and finally with the Carolina Panthers.

White was elected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 straight times from 1986-98. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998.

He retired three times, once before the 1998 season began where he changed his mind after just one day, and again at the end of that season.

He returned for a final season with Carolina in 2000 before retiring for good.