Former Green Bay Packers lineman Bill Ferrario tragically lost his life after he was found deceased in his Wisconsin home on Wednesday. This is even more heartbreaking since his birthday was two days before.
Ferrario died “unexpectedly” on Wednesday, according to The Times-Tribune in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which is where he was born.
And…’suddenly’😪💔
*Bill Ferrario-47-USA
*Former Pro Football Player, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins, and Carolina Panthers
*September 24, 2025
*Tragically, Bill died suddenly and unexpectedly at home.
*COD …pending. https://t.co/DjjO0OKwO2 pic.twitter.com/nisoyEeRfZ— cheri maday (@resilient333) September 24, 2025
He was only 47.
Ferrario’s obituary appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Thursday.
“I am heartbroken. I have known Billy since fourth grade, and he had a pure heart of gold and was a trustworthy friend,” Ferrario’s longtime friend Jason Waibel told The Times-Tribune.
“He would go to all lengths to help you. He always made you feel important, even when everyone just wanted to make him feel important. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.
“He carried the values of his time raised in West Side through his life. He was the epitome of hard work, loyalty, and especially those of us who are West Siders. He made everyone around him a better person. I am going to miss him terribly.”
There was no mention of Bill Ferrario’s cause of death.
Last month, the franchise also lost former WR Billy Howton. Earlier in the summer, news broke that former kicker Eddie Garcia also passed away.
More On Bill Ferrario
Wisconsin Badgers standout and former Green Bay Packer Bill Ferrario has died.
Before his untimely death, he made his name on the football field.
Ferrario earned honorable mention all-star honors as a junior and senior as a standout at West Scranton High School in Pennsylvania.
Ferrario was part of the Badgers’ offensive line that blocked for legendary running back Ron Dayne. Because of that line, he would win the 1999 Heisman Trophy, and the Badgers appeared in the Rose Bowl games in 1998 and 1999.
He never missed a game on the Badgers’ offensive line and was named First-team All-Big Ten in 1999 and Second-team in 2000.
His good play earned him a selection in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. He played 16 games for the Packers in 2002 but was waived before the start of the 2003 season.
Bill Ferrario played for the Packers, Washington, and Panthers before retiring in 2005.
