Former Packers lineman Bill Ferrario dead at 47, two days after birthday
Wisconsin Badgers star and NFL lineman Bill Ferrario dies in his home; cause not disclosed; survived by two children.
Former Packers offensive lineman Bill Ferrario was found dead in his Wisconsin home on Wednesday, two days after turning 47, according to the Scranton Times-Tribune. The cause of death was not disclosed. Corey Joyce, Ferrario's former West Scranton High School teammate, told the outlet that Ferrario was 'a true gentleman' and 'an all-around great guy.'
Ferrario starred at the University of Wisconsin, a four-year starter who never missed a game on the Badgers' offensive line, starting 50 games from 1997 to 2000. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1999 and Second-Team in 2000. His blocking helped running back Ron Dayne win the Heisman Trophy in 1999 and Wisconsin to consecutive Rose Bowl appearances.
Ferrario was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft and spent two seasons with the franchise. He also spent time with the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers before retiring from professional football in 2005.
After his playing days, Ferrario returned to Wisconsin and pursued work in real estate and medical sales, as well as charity work. He hosted a sports and lifestyle podcast titled '217 South Mills.' In recent years, he faced legal trouble, including probation last year for drunk driving and domestic-incident convictions.
Ferrario is survived by his two children. In May, he wrote on social media: 'Words can’t express how proud I am of my daughter on her graduation.' 'Watching her grow, work hard, and chase her goals has been one of the greatest joys of my life.'
