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Tyrone and Lisa White, the parents of New England Patriots running back James White, were in a car accident on Sunday, September 20, and the former died, per several reports. White’s mother is in critical condition.
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As expected, White will not play on Sunday night against the Seattle Seahawks.
White Has Always Been Very Close to His Parents
Michael Giardi of the NFL Network shared a 2012 quote from White about his parents via Twitter: “It’s very fulfilling to have loving parents. I know they’re always going to be there for me and I know they’re always watching over me.”
In several interviews over the years, White has made reference to his parents, their positive influence on his life and how their guidance shaped the man he is today. White is one of the Patriots captains and genuinely known throughout the NFL universe as a stand-up guy. That makes it easy to see why we saw such an outpouring of condolences come his way as the tragic news began to spread.
Tough Stretch for the Patriots Organization
Last week, the team mourned the loss of head coach and de facto general manager Bill Belichick’s mother, Jeannette. She died from natural causes. She was 98 years old. While the team and coaching staff had an opportunity to wrap their minds around the Belichick family tragedy and attempt to rally around their coach, the situation with White’s parents caught everyone off guard.
At this point, all they can do is offer their emotional support to their tragedy-stricken brother and do their best to honor him and his parents with their efforts on Sunday night.
Who Will Take White’s Place on the Field?
The game is the least important aspect of this situation. With White out of the lineup, the Patriots will likely turn to veteran Rex Burkhead and rookie J.J. Taylor to play the role White usually commands.
White is a third-down specialist whose great hands, quick feet and pass-blocking prowess make him one of the more valuable players on offense. Taylor is just 5-foot-5, but he’s powerfully built and can run with surprising power. He’ll probably also see some reps as a punt and kickoff returner. He showed some signs in the Week 1 win, but the Patriots will likely be forced to play him more often on Sunday.
Burkhead is a versatile veteran who can be an asset in the running and passing game. The Patriots will need him to be that on Sunday.
Prayers are up for White.
Also Read:
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- Patriots Key D-Lineman Could Be Late Scratch Vs. Seahawks
- Patriots Promote D-Lineman For Possible Emergency Duty
- Stephon Gilmore Has Monstrous Task Ahead of Him on Sunday Night
