The Patriots legend and three-time Super Bowl Champion James White has officially retired from the NFL. A career spanning nine years finally comes to a close. And turns out Bill Belichick has just lost one of the offense’s most lethal weapons. As an RB, White’s contributions have been significant for the all-round development of the franchise. The 30-year-old was included on the physically unable to perform list before the start of the training camps. It seems that he wasn’t able to recover from the injuries last season.
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James White had a severe hip injury last year, that cost him three games of the 2021 season. As a result, he was placed in the physically unfit category. However, his pursuit of making a return seem to have shuttered up, and retirement looked like the right next step.
He made the announcement through Twitter and Instagram.. Thanking his wife, children, friends, and all the members that vested their hopes in him. Played an integral part in the RB’s life.
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 also extended his gratitude towards the franchise, especially head coach Bill Belichick for nurturing him. “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,” he wrote on Twitter.
Being able to contribute to winning three championships is not easy in the NFL. It turns out, that White has earned the respect of Bill Belichick over the period.
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“James defines the term consummate professional,” head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. “His dependability, consistency, unselfishness, and performance under pressure are elite. Combining great intelligence, quickness, and elusiveness, James was a perfect fit for our pass offense,” he added. He also affirmed that White is a soft-spoken guy, yet his competitiveness and leadership were on the next level.
NFL World Gives James White The Due Farewell
The Wisconsin product was recruited by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. Although he could only make a few appearances, White was a reliable check-down target for Tom Brady. He has registered 381 receptions for 3,278 yards in his entire career and recorded 25 receiving touchdowns. Some of his prominent game plays came in 2018, Super Bowl LI, where he pulled out 14 catches and helped the Patriots fill the points deficit.
Well, this abrupt announcement surprised the fans. One of the users said betting on White always assured the team a Super Bowl. And the illustrious moment from White’s storied career:
Toss to White… he’s in! Patriots win the Super Bowl!
— KΛDΣП (@napdogg_12) August 11, 2022
Another user couldn’t believe his eyes.
I am crushed. Guy is responsible for helping spoil us kids growing up in NE the last couple years
— The First Targaryen (@The1stTargaryen) August 11, 2022
While this user shared a GIF from Brady-White’s on-field partnership.
One of Brady and Belichick’s favorites! Helluva career!! pic.twitter.com/TkuSeqOmAD
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 11, 2022
And who can forget this? Everytime we say James White, this play will come up.
The game-winning touchdown from James White in overtime of Super Bowl 51.
Only overtime Super Bowl in history, and it took a 28-3 comeback in one quarter to get there. White was a big part of it with 14 receptions for 110 yards and 3 total TDs. pic.twitter.com/d55jBkU09G
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 11, 2022
This one’s looking back at his record:
Most receptions among NFL RBs, 2015-21:
1. James White, 376
Most receiving yards among NFL RBs, 2015-21:
1. Alvin Kamara, 3,263
2. James White, 3,255Most receiving TDs among NFL RBs, 2015-21:
1. James White, 25
And that's with White missing almost all of last season.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 11, 2022
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Some good wishes for White for his career ahead.
https://t.co/BlUw6KuOze
Gives me goosebumps to this day.
I wish you all the best and hope you'll enjoy the life after a great career ❤️— Sandro (@GOATJonnu) August 11, 2022
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With White officially leaving the side, players like Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson are leading the list to take on the responsibilities. Pierre Strong Jr. and veteran Ty Montgomery are the options for Belichick to consider upon moving into the 2022 season.
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