Super Bowl LI: Patriots’ James White strengthens pro Badgers’ reputation

James White performed big in Super Bowl LI, scoring three touchdowns and the game-winner in overtime.

Super Bowl 51 brought all the stops Sunday night. With record-breaking performances, the first ever overtime, and the biggest comeback ever, a 5-foot-10 running back out of the University of Wisconsin stole the show.

James White, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2010-13, helped lead the New England Patriots to a come-from-behind Super Bowl victory. Trailing 28-3 at one point, White sparked the comeback with a five yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the third quarter to cut it to 28-9.

From there on out, it was all New England and when the Patriots needed it most, White came in clutch. With just under six minutes remaining in the game, Brady connected on another touchdown pass, this time to wide receiver Danny Amendola. While White only accounted for four yards on the short drive, he received the hand off on the critical two-point conversion, plunging into the end zone to make it a one score game.

White then came in clutch yet again, as the Patriots capped off a ten-play, 91 yard final drive with a one-yard touchdown run from the third-year man. A successful two-point conversion ensued and the game went to overtime.

A fortunate coin toss gave the Patriots the ball first in the extra session, and White capped off his tremendous game with a game-winning run to send New England to another Super Bowl crown.

White finished the game with 139 total yards (29 rushing, 110 receiving), joining Roger Craig as the only running back with 100+ receiving yards in a Super Bowl.  His three touchdowns and one two-point conversion also makes him the record-holder of most points in a single Super Bowl game (20). His 14 receptions were also a Super Bowl record.

His quarterback, Tom Brady, ended up winning the MVP, but White experienced fame on the big stage to its fullest Sunday night.

Although Terry Bradshaw boggled his name, White was interviewed on national TV as he expressed his feelings surrounding the game-winner.

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“I feel like everything was in slow motion,” White said following the game. “That’s what you dream about as a kid.”

White also received high praise from perhaps the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

“I think James White deserves it,” Brady said Monday. “It would be nice for him.”

White’s breakout game not only helped catapult the Patriots to the title, but he got rid of the fog that has seemingly forever surrounded former Badgers running backs. Known as “Running Back U,” the Badgers have produced a multitude of highly-skilled and productive running backs, only to find their professional careers amount to limited success.

Since 2000, a list that has included Ron Dayne, Michael Bennett, Anthony Davis, Brian Calhoun, and Montee Ball- just one total Pro Bowl had been made until Melvin Gordon cracked the roster after an injury replacement this season. Currently Gordon and White are the only tailbacks in the NFL from Wisconsin, paired with former fullback Derek Watt.

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White will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018.