ESPN Report: Legendary Tennessee Volunteers DE Reggie White who died in 2004 has been honored posthumously as the The Greatest of All Time in College Football, beating Tim Tebow of Florida Gators, Bo Jackson of Auburn, Deion Sanders of Florida State, Herschel Walker of Georgia, Barry Sanders of Oklahoma and Earl Campbell of Texas.
Reggie White, affectionately known as the “Minister of Defense,” has been posthumously honored by ESPN as one of the greatest players in college football history. In ESPN’s ranking of the 150 greatest players over the sport’s 150-year history, White secured the 19th spot .
🏈 College Career at Tennessee
White’s tenure at the University of Tennessee from 1980 to 1983 was marked by exceptional performance. He amassed 293 tackles and set a school record with 32 sacks—a record that stood until 2016. His senior year was particularly noteworthy, with 100 tackles and 15 sacks, earning him SEC Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors .
🕊️ Legacy and Honors
Beyond his collegiate achievements, White’s impact continued in the NFL, where he became a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His jersey number 92 has been retired by the University of Tennessee, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Green Bay Packers, reflecting his profound influence on the sport .
White’s legacy extends beyond the field; he was known for his leadership, character, and community involvement, embodying the qualities that define a true sports legend.
