NEWS: Excitement surrounding the Illinois Football program continues to build, as Illinois Football announced that three-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriots star running back James White has joined Bret Bielema’s coaching staff.
White, who joins Illinois after a highly decorated eight-year career in the NFL, will work alongside Thad Ward as an assistant coach in the Illini’s talented running backs room.
The Path From Player to Coach
White’s journey to Champaign began in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was a standout player for powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School. It was here that White first caught the eye of future coach Bret Bielema, who, at the time, was recruiting him to play in the Big Ten for the Wisconsin Badgers.
During his time in Madison from 2010-13, White quickly became one of college football’s most dynamic players, racking up 4,015 total career rushing yards and 48 total touchdowns, ranking him 4th in Badgers history in rushing yards. Under Bielema’s leadership, White helped lead Wisconsin to three Big Ten championships, earning three trips to the Rose Bowl.
As his college career flourished, so did his NFL journey. White was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Over his eight-year career, White became a key player for the Patriots, known for his “Sweet Feet” agility, and ability to make big plays in critical moments. He contributed to three Super Bowl wins in New England alongside Tom Brady, including most notably, his legendary performance in Super Bowl LI. It was there that James famously scored three touchdowns (including the go-ahead game-winner) and set a Super Bowl record with 14 receptions for 110 yards.
WATCH:
As the saying goes, “It’s a small world.”
As White’s impressive career continued into the NFL, and Bielema moved eventually on from Wisconsin in 2012-13, the duo once again crossed paths in 2020 – This time, in New England, as Bielema joined the Patriot’s defensive staff under coach Bill Belichick.
Of course, that reunion was short-lived, as after one season, AD Josh Whitman hired Bret for his current position at Illinois…. The road that all leads to now.
As White kicks off his coaching career after a post-retirement analyst run for the Big Ten Network and Sirius XM’s NFL Network, his former head coach is undoubtedly excited about the reunion. Certainly, Bielema is enthusiastic about the potential spark that White could bring to the Illinois Football staff.
Bielema’s Praise for White’s Addition:
“Since first recruiting James out of St. Thomas Aquinas, he has continued to be an impressive person both on and off the football field. James has always been a leader in the locker room and demanded respect from his teammates and coaches. With his experiences in the Big Ten and on the biggest stages in the NFL, he will be a great resource for our running backs.”
White on Joining the Illinois Football Staff:
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Coach Bielema and his staff. I’m excited to get to learn and grow with the coaches and players as we work to be the best we can be on a daily basis.”
Looking Ahead: White’s Future with Illinois Football
White’s leadership will undoubtedly be a great asset to Illinois’ already talented running backs unit. His experience both in the Big Ten and at the highest level of the NFL undoubtedly provides him with unique insights and perspectives that will benefit the team’s development.
However, what could prove to be equally (or more) important is White’s potential impact on the recruiting trail. As a former NFL star, his name carries weight, and it’s clear that when White enters a high school, calls a recruit, or visits a player’s home, it’s going to turn heads.
White’s addition to Illinois Football is an exciting one. As his coaching journey unfolds in Champaign, the impact James has on both the running back room and recruiting will certainly be one to watch moving forward.
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