Three-time Super Bowl champion and should've been SB 51 co-MVP James White has retired from the National Football League after eight seasons.
14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown, 6 carries for 29 yards and two touchdowns AND a two point conversion. 20 points scored. One of the greatest performances in NFL playoff history.
I can't say this news is that surprising given his age and injury from last season, but it's always sad to see yet another piece of the second half of the double-dynasty go. I was looking forward to his bounce-back in 2022 and what he'd add to the Patriots offense. Brandon Bolden was NOT it.
Drafted in 2014 out of Wisconsin, White didn't see the field much his rookie year en route to the Patriots' 4th Super Bowl Championship. Once Shane Vereen left in free agency for the Giants and Dion Lewis tore his ACL, White stepped into the 3rd down back role and didn't look back until a hip injury ultimately ended his career. No NFL running back had more receptions than James White did from 2015-2021, and he missed the final 14 games of 2021.
James White was a sure-handed multi-time captain for the Patriots who saved his best performances for the biggest stage. I try to not think about the 2017 Patriots and that missed opportunity against bum ass Nick Foles, but James White was a beast during that playoff run. He scored a TD in all three playoff games (4 total).
During Super Bowl LIII, I was worried we were seeing another Malcolm Butler situation on our hands when James White only had one target. IMO that's a major reason why the Pats only scored 3 points through three quarters and just 13 for the game. But that 2018 season was James' career year: 87 receptions for 751 yards and 7 touchdowns. In the divisional round vs. the Chargers, he hauled in 15 receptions (tying an NFL playoff record) for 97 yards.
James' production took a hit in 2020 with Cam Newton at a QB, but in his short time with Mac Jones, he looked like his old self.
There's a massive log jam of deserving Patriot team HOF inductees from both ends of the double-dynasty, but James White is a no-brainer red jacket candidate. Mr. Kraft and coach Belichick both had glowing remarks about his Patriot tenure.
Congrats on a fantastic career, James. I think it's safe to say he's one of, if not the best NFL careers of any Wisconsin running back. You'll always be Super Bowl LI co-MVP in my eyes!
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