American professional football player, one of the greatest defensive players in the National Football League (NFL). Playing the defensive-end position, White became noted for his ability to sack the quarterback (tackle the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage).
Reginald Howard White was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and educated at the University of Tennessee. He joined the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1984, recording 23.5 sacks over the next two seasons. White began playing for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL in 1985, joining the team during the season, after three games had already been played. He recorded 13 sacks in the 13 remaining games that year. Over the next three seasons he posted 18, 21, and 18 sacks, respectively. From 1989 to 1992 he remained a mainstay of the Eagles' defense, and in 1991 the team's defense ranked first in the NFL.
In the early 1990s White became involved in the movement to establish unrestricted free agency in the NFL. After free agency was instituted in 1993, he signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers had ranked 23rd in the NFL in defense in 1992, but they finished 2nd in the league in 1993, White's first season with the team. White played in the NFL Pro Bowl numerous times during his career. An ordained minister, he also became known for his humanitarian activities.
He recorded a Super Bowl record 3 sacs in Super Bowl XXXI.