Sports
Patriots Running Back James White Retires After 8 Seasons
White will be most fondly remembered for his clutch touchdowns in the infamous 28-3 Super Bowl comeback. A hip injury kept him out in 2021.
FOXBOROUGH, MA — Most New England Patriots fans will remember James White for scoring the two most important touchdowns in what's likely the defining championship of the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty.
White, a preeminent example of consistency during much of that dynasty, announced his retirement from the National Football League on Thursday.
"New England will be in my heart forever. Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful," White said on Twitter. "This chapter has been one that I will cherish. I look forward to what is next."
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White played nine seasons in the NFL, all with New England. He was a part of three Super Bowl victories with the team, including the 2017 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, in which he scored the game-tying and game-winning touchdown.
According to folks around the league, White is the only player ever to score a walk-off touchdown in Super Bowl history. In that 2017 win, he set NFL records for receptions and points scored.
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Of White, Bill Belichick said in a statement to NFL.com:
"James defines the term consummate professional. 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. 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."
NFL insiders and players from around the league have responded to the news.
"James White. First class," said ESPN's Mike Reiss. "One of the most respected players in the NFL calls it a career after a significant hip injury. His performance in Super Bowl LI vs. the Falcons one of the most legendary in Patriots history.
White was battling back from a hip injury which forced him to miss most of the 2021-22 season. A timetable never formalized for his return.
Read White's full retirement announcement here:
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
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