Belichick: James White 'one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached'

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick calls retiring James White 'one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/11/22

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick isn't known to be much of a chatterbox. When longtime Patriots running back James White announced his retirement on Thursday morning though, the 70-year-old legendary coach had plenty to say about the pass-catching specialist out of the backfield.

Bill Belichick on the retiring James White

“James defines the term consummate professional…His dependability, consistency, unselfishness and performance under pressure are elite…One of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached.” @Patriots @wbz pic.twitter.com/nTJmA36Pja
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) August 11, 2022

Longtime New England owner Robert Kraft had similar high praise for White and all he brought to the Patriots organization and the community.

Robert Kraft on the retiring James White

“As great of a player as James has been for us, he’s an even better person. He is a man of great character and integrity and earned everyone’s respect through his work ethic, professionalism and positive daily demeanor.” @Patriots @wbz pic.twitter.com/m3vys8qCGU
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) August 11, 2022

It was reported last week that there was "no clear timetable" the 30-year-old's return from offseason hip surgery that cost him almost the entire 2021 season. White was re-signed to a two-year, $5 million contract in March.

For the first time since his rookie season in 2014, he appeared in fewer than 14 contests last year, being limited to three games. White finished the season with 12 receptions for 94 yards and 10 carries for 38 yards and one touchdown.

He is perhaps best remembered by Patriots fans for scoring the game-winning touchdown on a rushing attempt in overtime of Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons to cap off a 34-28 comeback victory. White recorded a game-high 14 receptions for 110 receiving yards and one touchdown, while adding six carries for 29 yards and a score as well.

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