The New England Patriots have set 24 new records during Super Bowl LI. Two of those were set by running back James White, who caught more passes (14) and scored more points (20) than any other player in Super Bowl history. He also scored the walk-off touchdown that gave the Patriots their fifth Lombardi trophy.
Naturally, his performance on the biggest stage has turned White into a super star – one the Patriots will have under contract for the next four years thanks to a recent contract extension:
Super-Bowl hero James White and Patriots reached agreement on 3-year extension, tying him to New England for 4 years, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2017
The Patriots originally selected White in the fourth round of the 2014 draft out of Wisconsin with the intention of making him the team’s next passing back in the mold of Kevin Faulk, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen. While his career started slowly, he became what the team envisioned in 2016: White grew into a threat in the passing game and a reliable option as a runner.
Due to his growth as a player, New England has now awarded him with a contract extension. One year before the 25-year old was set to enter unrestricted free agency, the team has locked him up for three additional seasons.
The move marks the Patriots’ third major running back signing of the 2017 offseason. The team also signed Rex Burkhead to a one-year contract, and just today extended an offer sheet to restricted free agent Mike Gilleslee. Clearly, the team has made improving the position one of its offseason goals. Extending White is another sign of that.