During the New England Patriots' two decade-plus run of being at or near the top of the NFL, there have been several different players who have turned themselves into legends to the hoards of fans that follow the team. Running back James White is one of those players. White transformed himself from a useful backup into the greatest receiving back in Patriots franchise history and solidified his spot in New England lore by being a catalyst in the Patriots historic Super Bowl 51 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While White had hoped to add to his legacy, injuries have forced him into an early retirement.

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James White shared a heartfelt message on social media, thanking everyone who helped him live out his dream as an NFL player. White thanked his wife and children for their innumerable sacrifices, Bob Kraft and Bill Belichick for believing in him and helping him grow as a person and player, and all of his teammates who made his 8-year career special. White also thanked the fans of New England with this very touching statement:

"To say that Foxboro will always hold a special place in my heart is an understatement. It's been the most significant chapter of my adulthood. My kids were born here, it's the place we know the best as adults and where I have grown and created my family"

Despite being only 30 years old, White suffered a debilitating hip injury early in the 2021 season. He had rehabbed and was hopeful of making a potential return to the league, but the injury was too substantial and ended up costing him his career. White will almost assuredly end up in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, and his performance in Super Bowl 51 will remain the stuff of legend.

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LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

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