Legendary Patriots running back announces his retirement

Although there was optimism about his return this upcoming season, Patriots running back, James White, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.

After suffering a season-ending hip injury last season, the Patriots felt confident their running back James White would return to the field this season.

But on Thursday morning, White would release a statement announcing his retirement from the NFL.

In the eight seasons spent in New England, James White became a fixture on the Patriots’ offense. He earned himself heroic status during that time from his performance in the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history during Super Bowl LI.

The 2021 season started well for White, as he quickly became a reliable target for rookie Mac Jones. That ended quickly, however, when he went down in week three with what would be a hip subluxation injury.

His absence would be felt for the rest of the season, particularly due to the lack of another versatile pass-catching running back on the team. And now one of his teammates will have big shoes to fill in his retirement.

White’s time with the Patriots will forever be remembered as legendary. There’s no doubt he will end up in the Patriots Hall of Fame in the near future. His impact far exceeds what he accomplished on the field and he completely encompassed what it was to be a Patriot.

Following the announcement, Patriots Nation and NFL fans reacted to the news, with most reflecting on White’s accomplished career.

Robert Kraft had nothing but positive things to say about White, releasing a statement regarding the news;

"“James White has always been one of the most reliable and dependable players on the field. He’s a soft-spoken leader who has led by example and was the best at what he did, leading all NFL running backs in receptions and receiving touchdowns over the past seven years. Our fans will remain eternally grateful for his record-setting performance in Super Bowl LI when he helped the Patriots overcome a 28-3 deficit by scoring 20 points, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. 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. James became a part of the Patriots’ family while in New England and while his presence in our locker room will be missed, we are happy for James and his family as they embark on a new adventure. As a three-time Super Bowl Champion, we look forward to celebrating his career contributions for years to come.”"

Bill Belichick would also post a statement;

"“James defines the term consummate professional,” said head coach Bill Belichick. “His dependability, consistency, unselfishness and performance under pressure are elite. Combining great intelligence, quickness and elusiveness, James was a perfect fit for our pass offense. 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.”"

And you can’t forget the Patriots;

Several of White’s teammates from over the years took to their social media accounts to show love following the news as well.