Former NFL participant Mike Williams died from uncommon dental-related sepsis, medical expert says

TAMPA, Fla. — Former NFL participant Mike Williams died from a uncommon type of sepsis associated to dental well being issues, based on a medical expert’s report launched Friday.

Williams, 36, died Sept. 12 after being hospitalized following a development accident whereas working as an electrician.

The large receiver performed 4 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he was drafted out of Syracuse in 2010. His greatest season was as a rookie when he led the group with 11 touchdowns and had 964 receiving yards. He additionally performed for the Buffalo Bills and was on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster earlier than leaving the NFL in 2016.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s report says the reason for Williams‘ death was bacterial sepsis traced to a dental infection and “retained tooth roots.” The report is preliminary. A full autopsy will be released later and include toxicology and other information, officials said Friday.

The initial report also cites cardiovascular disease as a contributing factor in his death, which is listed as natural.

This is the first time in Hillsborough County that a death has been attributed to this specific type of dental sepsis, according to the medical examiner’s workplace.