Reggie White earned his reputation as the "Minister of Defense" during an All-American career at the University of Tennessee (1980-1983).

He strengthened his reputation as one of the most dominating defensive ends in NFL history for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers.

On Saturday, White will be inducted into the NFL Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Here are some past comments on White, his life and his career, from teammates and coaches who knew him best.

Johnny Majors, former Tennessee coach

"I once referred to him as the Tony Dorsett of defensive linemen. There's never been a better one. He could turn a football game around like no one else."

Tim Irwin, former UT teammate (1980) and NFL opponent for nearly a decade

"Reggie was among the top four players I ever played against ... but he was the best big guy I faced. He played hard and played clean. You never wanted to make him angry.

"One of our young linemen cursed him one day. Reggie said, 'You shouldn't have said that because Jesus is comin' now.' It really got ugly for that young man."

Phillip Fulmer, UT coach

"Reggie was one of those guys who represented all that was good about football and athletics. He was a man of principle who obviously carried his faith out front. I don't know if there's any one person, in my time as a football coach, whom I've had more admiration for and respect for."

Bruce Wilkerson, former UT teammate

"I'm sure there' people out there that were inspired by his words, but he inspired us by his actions."