Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

James White’s new Wisconsin diploma comes with special meaning

When running back James White left Wisconsin for the NFL in 2014, his parents made something clear: He should still earn his college degree.

“Every offseason, [my mom] and my dad would always ask if I was taking classes and when I was going to get it done,” White said Tuesday afternoon.

Even as White’s football career took off — he’s won three Super Bowls and been named a Patriots captain — his parents regularly reminded him of the importance of completing his education. And as White’s family grew — he now has two kids with his wife, Diana — his parents told him the pursuit was only going to become more difficult with time.