Lester Williams, a former defensive tackle for the New England Patriots and a first round pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, died Wednesday. He was 58.
Williams passed away at his Birmingham, Alabama, home, Patriots.com reported. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Miami, Florida, native played in 40 games for the Patriots from 1982-1985, including as a starter in Super Bowl XX.
During his four-year career in New England, Williams recorded 39 solo tackles, 60 assists, five sacks, three fumble recoveries and five passes defensed, according to the team’s website.
He later went on to play for the San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks.
Prior to his NFL career, Williams was a standout player at the University of Miami and was recognized with consensus All-America honors as a senior in 1981.
See remembrance tweets from the sports community below.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Lester Williams. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ his friends & family. https://t.co/KWZzfvDNuT pic.twitter.com/Ui1SQ3YVCB
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 17, 2017
We are saddened to hear about the passing of All-American DL Lester Williams.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/s0lrTfBeX1
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) August 17, 2017
Rest in peace to my brother from The U Lester Williams. Way too young to go. #cane4life
— Ottis OJ Anderson (@OJAnderson24) August 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/leonsearcy72/status/897974162484064256
Former Patriots Super Bowl starter Lester Williams dies at 58 https://t.co/KOtL8a4zWp pic.twitter.com/umr5M4VCiB
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) August 17, 2017
"Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change [a program], are the ones who do."
Rest in peace, Lester Williams. pic.twitter.com/YcJvihba0j
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) August 17, 2017