New England Patriots running back James White announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons. White won three Super Bowls and played his entire career for Bill Belichick.
The hero of Super Bowl LI suffered a season-ending hip injury that caused him to miss 14 games in 2021. White signed a two-year contract with the Patriots in the offseason. He has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp and had no timetable for returning to action.
The RB shared his retirement on Instagram and became a fan favorite after his performance in New England’s comeback Super Bowl victory.
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
James White’s Early Playing Days
James White attended the University of Wisconsin for four years. In his senior year, White recorded 1,444 rushing yards on 221 carries with 13 touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 300 yards, and two receiving TDs. The former Badger declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, and the Patriots selected him in the fourth round.
Early in his career, White was primarily a third-down specialist. Nicknamed “Sweet Feet,” his shining moment came in Super Bowl LI.
Fans know this matchup as the game the Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead and gave Tom Brady his fifth ring. However, White had a career game, scoring three touchdowns, including the Super Bowl’s only walk-off TD in history. He became the sixth player to score three touchdowns in the SB, tying the NFL record. Other Super Bowl records White holds include most receptions (14), most points scored (20), and most receiving yards for a running back (110).
James White is the author of the only walk off touchdown in Super Bowl history. An overtime winner.
He played for eight seasons and NEVER lost a fumble.
The definition of reliability. pic.twitter.com/PFWufdhIUU
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 11, 2022
James White Post-SB LI
After his historic championship-game display, “Sweet Feet” had a career year in 2018. White caught 87 passes for 751 yards, setting a franchise record by a running back. On the ground, he tallied 94 carries, 451 yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
The Patriots advanced to two more Super Bowls, winning SB LII against the Los Angeles Rams. New England secured a playoff spot in 2021, but they got crushed by the Buffalo Bills 47-17.
James White finished his NFL tenure with 1,278 rushing yards on 319 carries and 11 touchdowns on the ground. In the air, he totaled 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 TDs.
With White’s retirement, the Pats have Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, and Pierre Strong as notable names on the RB depth chart.
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