It’s not easy growing up the youngest of 4 boys, but Rachaad White pulled through that struggle. He was born in Kansas City but never got to go see the Chiefs play, they could never afford it. Now, he’ll be playing at Kansas City’s Arrowhead stadium for the first time with the goal to win. Growing up in poverty, forever wanting to make something of yourself really defines you, growing up.

It gave White that hunger that drove him to make sacrifices on his road to success. As a teenager, White and his friends ended up homeless in the city of Walnut, California. They would break into empty apartments and squat with mattresses just to have somewhere to sleep. Luckily, that’s a life he’ll never have to put his family through.

Who is Rachaad White’s daughter?

Rachaad White’s daughter Nevaeh was born on the 25th of August, 2021. It’s an interesting name. It’s actually “Heaven” spelled backwards, so there’s some significance to it. The family’s been private about her mother’s name on social media, though it seems White remains unmarried. We do know his nickname for his girlfriend is “Peanut” though. Rachaad White had no contract when his daughter was born, and it must have been a very stressful few months.

Thankfully, in 2022, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him for a 4-year $5,129,999 contract, and it’s been smooth sailing since. And he feels constantly driven to be a good father, he has to. His own father was in prison from the ages of 14-19 and then was in and out again for a very long time.

Nevaeh makes White feel like he has to be responsible. “My daughter is my world and my life. Her, my lady and my family are everything. She helped me learn patience and realize little things. She helped me learn how to be a father, how to a greater person in this world,” he said, talking about the impact fatherhood has had on him. Half his social media is about her, and he frequently brings her along to games. The little girl is his life.

While White dotes on his daughter, he himself didn’t have a lot of parental influence on his life due to certain reasons, but he needed mentorship. And even though Rachaad White did have 3 older brothers, his mom, Rochelle, wanted him to break out of their bubble. That’s where the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America comes in.

What’s White’s association with BBBSA?

BBBSA is a non-profit group that match kids with adult volunteers who can mentor them one-on-one. White met 25-year-old mentor John Waller when he was just 8, and the two have kept in touch ever since.

Waller really was the big brother White needed. The two went out to libraries, eateries, parks, gyms, and just spent productive time together. Now, nearly 2 decades on, White’s the age Waller was when they met, and Waller’s his official business manager. His positive experiences with Waller, combined with his experience as a father, have motivated him to give back.

Just last year, Rachaad White brought little Nevaeh along to a BBBSA event. This was at the Pinchasers Midtown bowling alley in Tampa, FL, in July of 2023. He interacted with a bunch of the kids and just generally had a good time. White was also involved in the launch of a financial literacy program just last month with BBBSA. White hasn’t forgotten his roots, and a dad like that is sure to keep his kids grounded, even when spoiling them silly.

Stories like the White family’s are uplifting and interest a broader audience in the NFL. If you’d like to hear more about the NFL’s global growth, be sure to check out our latest Think Tank Exclusive, featuring Emily and Erin Griffin.