Even if you're a fan of analytics and complicated grading systems, sometimes you have to go by the eye test.
Unfortunately for James White, the folks at Pro Football Focus don't agree.
On June 16, analyst Nathan Jahnke published his All-PFF team for the Patriots, and while there were no surprises at quarterback, tight end, or wide receiver, the choice for the team's best running back over the last 20 years certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Jahnke penciled Rhamondre Stevenson into the lineup over White and Kevin Faulk—both of whom played instrumental roles in bringing multiple championships to Foxboro.
"Running back was similarly competitive, albeit for a different reason. New England frequently relied on three-man backfield rotations and rarely featured the same players for extended periods. Fourteen running backs logged at least 900 snaps during the PFF era, yet none reached 3,500. Only Kevin Faulk, James White and Rhamondre Stevenson surpassed 1,500 snaps.
Stevenson was the best pure runner of the group, White was the most productive receiver and Faulk was arguably the most complete player. Ultimately, Stevenson's superior overall grade, combined with a workload greater than Faulk and White combined, earned him the spot," he wrote.
James White deserved the nod over Rhamondre Stevenson on PFF's latest list
Simply put: White got snubbed.
While Stevenson deserves credit for racking up 3,669 rushing yards over the last five seasons, he's struggled with ball security and hasn't matched his predecessor's production as a pass catcher. In fact, his fumbling issues at the beginning of last season led to speculation that he could be on his way out of Foxboro.
Obviously, that didn't happen, but that issue—coupled with inconsistent production following his breakout 2022 campaign—makes Stevenson less of a surefire selection as the team's best running back of the last 20 years.
Sure, White may rank well behind Stevenson on the team's all-time rushing leader list (he's currently 30th with 1,278 rushing yards), but that doesn't reflect his value.
The former fourth-round pick bided his time early on before becoming one of Tom Brady's most trusted targets. Not only did White serve as a viable weapon out of the backfield, but he also helped keep his quarterback out of harm's way by picking up blitzes and making key blocks in critical moments.
By the time he wrapped up his eight-year career, White totaled 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 touchdowns in 95 regular-season games. Most importantly, however, he showed up when it mattered most.
James White 139-total-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Falcons in Super Bowl 51. pic.twitter.com/fOAc6s010m
— Kalshi Football (@KalshiFB) April 2, 2026
As part of a stacked offense that included All-PFF selections Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, White played an instrumental role in helping his more heralded teammates earn multiple Super Bowl rings.
In the Patriots' historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons, White showcased his versatility by setting a Super Bowl record with 14 receptions, including one for a touchdown. Of course, he added two more scores on the ground and a critical two-point conversion on a direct snap play that Faulk used to run during his heyday.
Although TB12 took home MVP honors that day, few would argue against White winning the coveted award. After all, he capped off his record-setting performance by scoring the game-winning touchdown in the first overtime in Super Bowl history.
White should earn a bust in the Patriots Hall of Fame
Obviously, the Patriots have had a ton of talent come through Foxboro over the past two decades. And given all of their success, it's certainly not easy to narrow down a starting lineup of the team's best players during that span.
However, while PFF didn't deem White worthy of a spot on its team, the man who went by the nickname "Sweet Feet" should earn a more important honor in due time: a spot in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Given his contributions on and off the field, the former team captain should earn a bust alongside some of his teammates. After all, few embodied the Patriot Way like White—the ultimate team player who did whatever was asked of him.
Ironically, if you polled Patriot Nation about whether Stevenson should be considered an all-time great in franchise history, I bet you'd hear crickets.
So, even though PFF gave the nod to the bigger back with better rushing numbers, it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Because at the end of the day, there's no doubt about which player made a bigger impact on the NFL's most successful franchise.
We'll just have to see how long it takes James White to beat out some of the team's other legends for a permanent spot at Patriot Place.
Add us as a preferred source on Google