James White Retires From The NFL
Another legend from the Patriots Super Bowl era is officially calling it quits. Tom Brady’s security blanket out of the backfield has announced his retirement from the NFL. The best receiving running back in Patriots history is hanging up the cleats. James White has retired.
White released a statement on Twitter to make the announcement official.
The NFL Twitter account put out a great video to commemorate White’s tenure with New England. He just made so many great plays in that comeback win against the Falcons. One of the unsung heroes in that comeback effort. I’m not sure they win that Super Bowl without him but often is forgotten when people want to talk about that run.
White, 30, was probably unlikely to make the Patriots roster which may have led to this decision. Damien Harris is entrenched as the starter. The camp buzz is out of control for Rhamondre Stevenson. I’m so in for Stevenson in fantasy and the news of him stealing passing reps from White has something to do with it. New England also drafted Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong. If the Patriots aren’t keeping five running backs, then White wasn’t going to make this roster.
Who knows, maybe White pulls a Gronk and heads down to Tampa. Then again, probably not given the fact that there was no reason for White to retire if he wasn’t going to make the team. White’s heading into his 30’s and there is no guarantee he’s an upgrade over what Gio Bernard gives Tampa at this point.
“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. 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.”
Bill Belichick had this to say about his former running back.
