Former NFL great and Packer/Eagle/Panther Reggie White died Sunday morning, December 26th, at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, North Carolina. The likely cause of his death was sleep apnea-related respiratory failure. He was a young man at the age of 43. He is survived by a wife, son, and daughter.

White was known as the "Minister of Defense," both because of the full throttle way he played (some say he was the greatest defensive lineman to ever play the game) and his deep religious convictions, which he carried with him from a young age. White is a model that many could use to better themselves - to become better people. For his compassion for people is the thing that White is really best known for. So what lessons can we extract from his life?

First, if you're going to play, play as hard as you possibly can. Do everything you can to be the best. White would say that this is how God intended it to be. Whatever you do, do it with all your passion. Be the best you can possibly be. White was voted to play in 13 consecutive Pro Bowls and was once the all-time sack leader at 198 sacks (his sack total is now second to Bruce Smith). God wants us to succeed.

Second, if you have faith, have faith. White became an ordained minister at the age of 17. Since his retirement, he had undertaken a study of the Hebrew language, the langugage of the Bible, to develop a stronger understanding of his religion. He approached his beloved religion with the same fervor he approached the football field. Whatever you do, put all of your heart into it.

Another important lesson is the lasting legacy of those who do good, stand up for their beliefs, and stand beside their peers in good times and bad. He was vocal and proactive when a rash of black church burnings began accurring around the Southeast in 1995. He even opened a home for unwed mothers on his own property. He received substantial negative publicity for a speech given in Wisconsin in which he stated openly his views on homosexuality, which he opposed, but he never backed down. White's personal convictions were of utmost importance to him. He was involved in numerous philanthrophic projects and was seeking sponsorship for a NASCAR team that would feature black drivers. One person can change the world.

There would not be nearly the outpouring of emotion over White's passing if his deeds were confined solely to the playing field. But by giving so much of himself, he became a beloved part of who we are - the ultimate role model. He was successful in his career, successful as a family man, and successful giving to the world because of his work ethic, beliefs, and above all, faith. Perhaps that is the most important lesson of all: faith can take you to amazing places. Reggie White was proof of that.

Jerry Work is an entrepreneur, musician, and sports fan in Nashville, Tennessee. His company, Work Media, is the founder of SportGamble.us, a community-oriented sports and sports gambling portal with news, links, message boards, blogs, and more.