James White may not have had the stats but he played a critical role in the final years of the New England Patriots dynasty. After eight years with the Patriots, the three-time Super Bowl winning running back announced his retirement.
New England will be in my heart forever. Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful.
This chapter has been one that I will cherish. I look forward to what is next. pic.twitter.com/8qd0FbA0tW
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) August 11, 2022
White’s crowning achievement came during the Patriots’ 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. He set a Super Bowl record for most receptions (14), most receiving yards by a running back (110), and scored the game-winning touchdown in the first (and currently only) overtime period in Super Bowl history.
White’s retirement is going to be felt more in the locker room than on the field. The embodiment of a team player, White wasn’t someone who got the headlines but he put in the work and was the glue that held things together. Even when he put in his incredible Super Bowl performance, the MVP award went to Tom Brady.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised White calling him “one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached.”
Bill Belichick on James White:
"While soft spoken, he brought exceptional leadership and competitive toughness to the team. He was a multi-year team captain and one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached."
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) August 11, 2022
Many others praised White as a person and a player, and wished him well in retirement.
Congratulations and good luck to the guy who forced me to delete 1500 words of copy on a Sunday night in February, 2017. https://t.co/nzOOxRCXFN
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) August 11, 2022
Congratulations and happy retirement to the man who blew up innumerable half-written Super Bowl stories. Tremendous effort against the Falcons, especially on the game-winning OT touchdown. https://t.co/wmYKxyvIoe
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) August 11, 2022
This was coming for James White. The injury was quite painful and disruptive. White was still walking with a hitch just prior to training camp. Had a terrific career and will be missed. https://t.co/rVRNslMtFF
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 11, 2022
One of the greatest third down backs ever calls it quits. Sad to see the three-time Super Bowl champion leave due to injury. https://t.co/syGmokXxQr
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) August 11, 2022
THANK YOU, for all of it, bro! 💪🏾🔥✊🏿👍🏾🙏🏾 #Respect #Patriots https://t.co/8feyPqAxl0
— Brian White (@actorbrianwhite) August 11, 2022
🐐
Congrats, James! Forever and always, #OnWisconsin https://t.co/F3liVc4vXX
— UW–Madison (@UWMadison) August 11, 2022
One of the best pass-catching backs in the league over the past decade. I'll miss watching him play. Happy retirement, James! https://t.co/NI9StEYDTt
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) August 11, 2022
All-around great guy. Reliable on the field in many different situations and always a go-to in the locker room. #Patriots @wpri12 https://t.co/WpCFVEqGYe
— Morey Hershgordon (@MHershgordon) August 11, 2022
One of the classiest athletes I ever covered in my time in New England. Will be forever remembered for the first game-winning overtime TD in Super Bowl history. https://t.co/jAZgePUPoq
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) August 11, 2022
This is a tough one. White was one of the most thoroughly dependable guys in that locker room for an awfully long time. Honored to have had the chance to watch him play, and to cover the bulk of his career. https://t.co/13mQdFa5Up
— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) August 11, 2022