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Longtime Patriots RB James White retires

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Longtime New England Patriots running back James White announced his retirement Thursday.

The 30-year-old hangs up his cleats with eight NFL seasons and three Super Bowl titles under his belt.

"New England will be in my heart forever," White tweeted. "Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful. This chapter has been one that I will cherish. I look forward to what is next."

The Patriots put White on the physically unable to perform list on July 21 due to a hip injury. He had inked a two-year, $2.5-million deal to return to New England in March.

White established himself as one of the NFL's premier pass-catching running backs after being drafted in the fourth round in 2014. The Wisconsin product caught a career-high 87 passes for 751 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018. He also rushed for 425 yards and five scores that year.

White's most memorable moment in the NFL came against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. White, who walked off Atlanta with a touchdown in overtime, set multiple individual Super Bowl records that night, including most receptions (14) and points scored (20). He finished the big game with 14 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown to go along with 29 yards and two scores on six rushing attempts.

Additionally, White is tied with Darren Sproles for the most receptions in a playoff game (15).

The Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks during White's rookie season, though he was inactive during the playoffs. He was also part of the team's Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Several players on the roster could take over as New England's receiving back in 2022, including Ty Montgomery, Rhamondre Stevenson, and fourth-round rookie Pierre Strong.

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