Mike Williams, a former wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, passed away in September, according to a report from the Hillsborough County (Florida) Medical Examiner released on Friday. The report indicates that the rare cause of death was bacterial sepsis, involving cerebral abscesses and necrotizing lobar pneumonia, attributed to multiple dental caries and retained tooth roots. This condition, the first of its kind in Hillsborough County, is associated with poor dental health and infection. “Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease” is also listed as a contributing factor. The full autopsy and toxicology results are pending, as the current report is preliminary, but it mentions the use of marijuana, social alcohol consumption, and Kratom.
A native of Buffalo, Williams gained recognition with an outstanding college career at Syracuse, amassing 2,044 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons with the Orange. He entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010, with his rookie season being the pinnacle of his professional career. In that season, he recorded 964 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, securing the runner-up spot for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Williams later returned to Buffalo for his fifth and final NFL season after being released by the Bills. During his nine games in Buffalo, he made eight receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown. Following his release from the Bills, Williams attempted an NFL comeback with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, but he was released before the regular season commenced.
