Florida Construction News staff writer

Former NFL receiver Mike Williams, who played for five seasons mostly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died after a construction accident in the Tampa area. His death was reported by the team on Sept. 12, after earlier confusion — he had been alive but on life support for several days after the Sept. 1 incident.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the family and Williams’ father Wendell Muhammad shared details of the Sept. 1 incident in which his son was hit on the head by a steal beam, causing a “massive” head injury.

Williams was rushed to a nearby hospital in Tampa where he “never gained consciousness,” according to his family.

“As a result of this accident, there was swelling on his brain and swelling on his spinal cord that was ruptured,” his father said. “These injuries resulted in complete paralysis in his right arm as well as his lower body from the waist down.”

On Sept. 22 morning, $6,732 had been raised for the family.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you in advance who are willing to help,” Moore wrote. “I am asking that you lift y son up in prayer and to pray for all of his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

A fourth-round selection by Tampa Bay in 2010, he led the team with 964 yards on 65 receptions as a rookie. He led the team with 11 touchdowns and finished second to Sam Bradford in voting for offensive rookie of the year.

A 2012 season in which he scored nine touchdowns and had 996 receiving yards led to the Buccaneers signing him to a six-year, $40.25 million contract before the 2013 season.

He was working at the construction site at the time of the incident.

“Dang man hurts my heart seeing the news of my former teammate and Buccaneers 2010 draft class brother Mike Williams,” ex-Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy wrote on X. “Always great energy, brought joy and laughter to the locker room and a heck of a player!! Prayers and blessings to his family!!”