Mike Williams, Former Buccaneers Star WR, Dead at 36

A recent report from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner has revealed an unexpected and rare factor contributing to the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Mike Williams, who spent four years in the NFL from 2010 to 2014.

Williams suffered a serious head injury in August while working on a construction job in Tampa, according to WFLA.

The medical examiner's report disclosed that Williams was initially taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and later transferred to Suncoast Hospice, where he ultimately passed away.

Mike Williams cause of death, as stated in the report, was "Bacterial Sepsis with Cerebral Abscesses and Necrotizing Lobar Pneumonia Due to Multiple Dental Caries and Retained Tooth Roots, Contributory Cause Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease."

Dr. Walter Howard, a clinical professor at the University of Florida School of Dentistry, not directly involved in the case, highlighted that severe tooth decay was a contributing factor to Williams' death.

"The source of that infection, according to that statement, would be from the oral environment, where you've got bacteria that has been uncontrolled and caused tooth decay and also abscesses on the roots," said Howard.

He emphasized that such cases are rare but entirely preventable with regular dental care.

Dental Infections and Medical Complications

Mike Williams was admitted to the hospital a day after sustaining a head injury from falling heavy supplies.

Initial CAT scans revealed brain swelling and infections, believed to have originated from infections in his mouth that spread through his bloodstream, Yahoo News noted.

Dr. Rajiv Kalra, a dentist with Agoka Dental, emphasized the connection between periodontal disease and broader health issues, underlining the significance of the interconnection between overall health and oral health.

"There are huge links between periodontal disease and heart disease and things like that, and so this is an indication, or it shows you how well our bodies are connected," Dr. Kalra said.

While the report did not specify the extent to which the head injury contributed to Mike Williams cause of death, it mentioned that he was a daily kratom user and had a history of marijuana use.

The Tampa Police Department is investigating potential criminal aspects related to prescription drugs taken by Williams around the time he went into cardiac arrest.

Notably, Williams had a medical marijuana license.

Mike Williams NFL Career

Mike Williams, a standout at Syracuse University, left an indelible mark with 20 touchdowns, tied for second-most in school history alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, per FOX 13.

Tampa Bay selected Williams in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, where he made an immediate impact in his rookie season, leading the team in receiving yards, receptions, and scoring 11 touchdowns.

Despite signing a significant contract extension before the 2013 season, Williams faced challenges, playing in just six games that year before being traded to the Buffalo Bills.

His professional career included 223 receptions, 3,089 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns.

Mike Williams' unexpected death sheds light on the importance of oral health and preventive care, even for young athletes, to avoid rare but severe complications.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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