Super Bowl 51 Hero James White Retires

Pick 130 in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft, White is most known for scoring the championship clinching touchdown at the end of Super Bowl 51. Down at one point 28 – 3, the Patriots mounted the greatest Super Bowl comeback in NFL History and won in overtime 34 – 28.

However, that’s just the beginning. His story is one of great personal sacrifice and knowing how to make yourself indispensable. Becoming a gadget running back is not easy, especially after how historic his college career was.

Over his nine year career he was a big contributor to the Patriots success for six of them. He didn’t play much his rookie year, he was injured most of last year and he retired before this season. But during those other six seasons, he was a key cog of the offense.

His best season was 2018 (They beat the Rams in Super Bowl 53 13 – 3), where he had 87 catches for 751 yards and seven TDs. He also rushed for 425 yards and five TDs. For his career he had 381 catches for 3278 yards and 25 TDs and had 1278 yards rushing and 11 TDs.

He has the NFL record for most catches in a postseason game with 15. He also has multiple Super Bowl records from his performance against the Atlanta Falcons.

Not only is Super Bowl 51 the only one to go to OT but White has the most receptions, points scored and points scored in OT in Super Bowl history. He also has the most receiving yards by a RB.

Gadget receiving running backs are usually dispensable but not White, he lasted multiple contracts and found a perfect niche in New England.

Tragedy

This career is also unique because of the tragedy he had to overcome to even finish his career. During the 2020-2021 season in week two, White learned his parents were in a car accident. His father had died and his mother was in critical condition.

White’s mother is still recovering from the crash, but according to him, she’s still fighting to get better.

College Career

The Big Ten freshman of the year in 2010. He also is the holder of the 2010 season rushing yards per attempt Big Ten record (6.7 yards per attempt).

Over his illustrious time as a Badger he rushed for 4,015 yards and 45 TDs, while also sharing carries with future NFL players Corey Clement, Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon.

Wisconsin made bowl games all four of his seasons in Madison, although they lost all of them. From 2010 to 2013 the Badgers lost three straight Rose Bowls and a Capital One Bowl.

Make sure to continue to follow the Patriots here at Gridiron Heroics, here’s an article on Patriots training camp week two observations.