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Reggie White

Reggie White was an American professional football defensive end who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Reggie White was an American professional football defensive end who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest defensive linemen, he was known as “the Minister of Defense” and was a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Early life and college career

Reggie White was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee, where he became a standout defensive player. His college success helped establish his reputation before he entered the NFL.

NFL career

White played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers. He was a frequent Pro Bowl selection and was widely recognized for his pass-rushing ability and leadership on defence.

Records and honours

At retirement, White held the NFL career sacks record with 198. He received major honours including a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Legacy

White is remembered as one of the greatest defensive linemen in football history. His influence extended beyond statistics, and his nickname reflected his public identity as both an athlete and minister.

Key facts

  • White played 15 seasons in the NFL and was one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era.
  • He finished his career with 198 sacks, which was the NFL record at the time of his retirement.
  • He was selected to 13 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986 to 1998.
  • White won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers.
  • He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Reggie White?
He was an American NFL defensive end who played 15 seasons and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen in football history.
What teams did Reggie White play for?
He played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers.
How many sacks did Reggie White have?
He finished his NFL career with 198 sacks, which was the league record when he retired.
What was Reggie White’s nickname?
He was known as the “Minister of Defense.”
Did Reggie White win a Super Bowl?
Yes. He won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers.
Is Reggie White in the Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Reggie-White
    Supports: Birth, death, career summary, career sacks, Pro Bowl honours, and Hall of Fame induction.
  2. Pro Football Reference — https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitRe00.htm
    Supports: Career statistics including sacks, games played, teams, height, weight, and Super Bowl win.
  3. Pro Football Hall of Fame — https://www.profootballhof.com/players/reggie-white
    Supports: Career sacks, Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, and Hall of Fame status.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_White
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, NFL teams, position, and overview of career.
  5. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame — https://tshf.net/halloffame/white-reggie/
    Supports: College background, hometown, and recognition in Tennessee sports history.