Patriots running back James White retiring in blow to offense


Patriots running back James White is calling it a career after eight seasons in New England.

The three-time Super Bowl champion announced his retirement on Thursday in a heartfelt note, in which White thanked his teammates, agents, and coaches, as well as team owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick.

“New England will be in my heart forever. Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful,” the 30-year-old White tweeted.

“This chapter has been one that I will cherish. I look forward to what’s next.”

White, who also served as a team captain, was part of the Patriots’ championship rosters in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Belichick praised White on Thursday in a statement, calling him “one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached.”

James White announced his NFL retirement on Thursday.
James White announced his NFL retirement on Thursday.
Getty Images

“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,” Belichick said.

The former fourth-round draft pick amassed 4,556 total yards and 36 total touchdowns throughout his career in New England. White’s only 1000-yard season came in 2018.

White is perhaps best known for his performance in Super Bowl 51, where he had 110 yards and three touchdowns, including the only walk-off touchdown in Super Bowl history to defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in Feb. 2017.

The Patriots running back, here in Super Bowl 51 in 2017, played all eight seasons of his career in New England.
The Patriots running back, here in Super Bowl 51 in 2017, played all eight seasons of his career in New England.
Getty Images

White’s retirement comes as the Patriots are in the process of building a new team without longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who left to coach the Raiders in January. Matt Patricia, the team’s former defensive coordinator, appears to have taken the reins on offense, which has gotten off to a rough start.

Patricia’s offense will see some action on Thursday night when they host the Giants in their first preseason game.





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