Our worst fears about James White and his injury have come true. After nine seasons with the New England Patriots, the Super Bowl LI hero has announced his retirement. This doesn’t come as a surprise after suffering a nasty hip injury that required surgery in 2021, sidelining him for most of the season. It was reported that he had some trouble getting physically ready for the season, and on Thursday morning he announced his retirement on Twitter.
New England will be in my heart forever. Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful.
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) August 11, 2022
This chapter has been one that I will cherish. I look forward to what is next. pic.twitter.com/8qd0FbA0tW
James White retires a three-time Super Bowl champion, after being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He totaled up 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 scores over his nine-year career. The highlight of his career came in Super Bowl LI, where White posted 14 catches for 110 yards and a score. As well as 29 yards and two scores on the ground, including the game-winner in overtime. Coming out of the backfield, he was a pass-catching specialist and gave the Patriots the kind of weapon they needed after Kevin Faulk. He’ll go down as one of the most prolific playoff performers in Patriots history. And will more than likely see a red jacket come his way whenever he becomes eligible for the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Moving Forward
The 29-year-old leaves the Patriots with some huge questions to answer at the position of running back. They have their two power options in Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris, but who will take over that third-down role? They signed Ty Montgomery early in the off-season, as well as drafted Pierre Strong. There will surely be a battle all preseason to determine who is the top option coming out of the backfield. Becoming a prime check-down option for quarterback Mac Jones.
The Patriots open their first preseason game tonight in Gillette Stadium versus the New York Giants. They will have their first glimpse of life after their prolific pass-catching running back. We’ll see how the Patriots respond to this newfound hole on the roster in the coming weeks.
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