Former Wisconsin Badger great James “Sweet Feet” White is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. Not only has White overcome adversity on the field in the last few years. Off the field he played through the tragedy of losing his father in an accident that also critically injured his mother. To go along with missing almost the entire season last year due to a hip injury, White felt it was time to hang it up. The three-time Super Bowl champion is the definition of a pro. Here are some of my favorite moments from his time at Wisconsin and with the Patriots.
Whites’ Forgotten Super Bowl Performance
James White may have one of the most forgotten big-time performances in the super bowl era. He was consequently overshadowed by the insane 28-3 comeback and Brady’s fifth ring. James White was instrumental in that comeback and should’ve won the Super Bowl MVP in the Patriots’ victory.
White racked in 14 catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns. Including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
14 catches for 110 yards and 3 touchdowns including the game-winner in OT
James White’s Super Bowl LI performance was one of the greatest of all-time 😤 @brgridiron
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/nJ9iUCWErn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 11, 2022
Aside from the legendary Super Bowl performance, White remained consistent throughout his career. The perfect receiving back for Tom Brady, White saw his best season statistically in 2018. That season he had 1,176 yards from scrimmage to go along with 11 touchdowns. Meanwhile, White always seemed to be the most consistent for the Patriots for a team that used multiple backs every season.
James White: Wisconsin Legend
James White knew how to share the backfield in the NFL thanks to his time as a Wisconsin Badger. How about sharing the backfield with Montee Ball and a young Melvin Gordon? Nonetheless, White had some historical games of his own. In the 2012 Big Ten Championship game where the Badgers dominated Nebraska, White had 15 carriers for 109 yards and four touchdowns. White also threw for a touchdown in that game.
In 2010, James White earned the honors of Big Ten Freshman of the Year for his 1,140 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. He finished his career at Wisconsin with 4,685 yards from scrimmage to go along with 48 touchdowns. In 2013, White set the record for the longest run from scrimmage in Wisconsin history with his 93-yard carry.
I wish nothing but the best to James White in his future endeavors. The career span for an NFL running back can certainly be short, unfortunately. So, I’m glad we got to see a Wisconsin Badger legend play at the highest level and represent us well with the Patriots.
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