But with Whitley, the dark side was always there as well.

The former Carolina center, who died Sunday, was remembered as a player with limitless potential and problems. The 39-year-old battled drug and alcohol issues throughout his career.

According to published reports, the cause of his death is still unknown, although Texas authorities said foul play wasn't suspected. An autopsy is planned before his body was to be flown home to North Carolina later this week for a funeral.

Whitley, who played at Clemson, started every game at center for the Panthers during their inaugural 1995 season after being chosen in the expansion draft. He also played in 1996, but lost his job when he was suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was cut the next year and went to Oakland, only to be suspended again.

Teammates recalled him as naturally strong and easygoing, although also unpredictable. Tales of his missing curfew and his after-hours hi-jinx are nearly as prevalent as those of his football talent.

"He was the kind of guy you wanted on your team, but you couldn't trust him as a friend," former Panthers teammate Frank Garcia said Tuesday. "He was a guy who's going to give you all he has on the field. But just every once in a while, it's, 'Who is this guy I'm talking to?'

"That said, we all have our little quirks and little things. But with him, you didn't know how far it would go."

Garcia said Whitley was well-liked in the locker room, but had an unpredictable streak that was evidenced by his suspensions.