Defensive great Reggie White dies at 43

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Reggie White earned Brett Favre's respect on and off the field.

"He may have been best player I've ever seen and certainly was the best I've ever played with or against," the Green Bay quarterback said after White's death Sunday.

Reggie White played for the Eagles, Packers and Panthers, retiring with 198 sacks. (Getty Images)

"Off the field, he did so much for so many people. He really reached a lot of people. ... He was a great friend on and off the field. We'll all miss him."

The fearsome Philadelphia and Green Bay defensive end was 43.

"It just seems so odd, so surreal," said former Packers teammate Eugene Robinson, now a commentator for Carolina, where White spent his final season. "I'm still like, 'I don't believe it.' When I saw it flash on the television -- 1961 to 2004 -- I was just like, 'I'm not going to try to fight back any more tears. I'm just going to cry.'"

The cause of death was not immediately known. White, however, had a respiratory ailment for several years that affected his sleep, according to Keith Johnson, a pastor serving as family spokesman.

The Mecklenburg County medical examiner said Monday an autopsy was scheduled and there may be preliminary information in the afternoon.

White's wife, Sara, said in a statement Sunday: "Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away. His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Reggie White. We want to thank you in advance for honoring our privacy."

White died at Presbyterian Hospital, where he was taken after his wife called 911. A police officer was outside White's Tudor-style home in a gated community and would not let a reporter approach the house.

A two-time NFL defensive player of the year and ordained minister who was known as the "Minister of Defense," White played 15 seasons with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's career sacks leader with 198. The mark has since been passed by Bruce Smith.

"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. "Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."

A member of the NFL's 75th anniversary team, White was elected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 straight times from 1986-98. He was the NFL's defensive player of the year in 1987 and 1998.

"A 43-year-old is not supposed to die in his sleep," Johnson said. "It was not only unexpected, but it was also a complete surprise. Reggie wasn't a sick man ... he was vibrant. He had lots and lots of energy, lots of passion."