James White misses Sunday's game after father dies in car crash, mother in critical condition
New England Patriots running back James White missed Sunday’s game after his father was killed in a car crash earlier in the day, according to Fox Sports 640’s Andy Slater.
White’s mother also was reportedly in the car and is in critical condition. His father, Tyrone, was a captain in the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Sad news to report. Patriots' RB James White's father was in a car crash today and did not survive. His mother was also in the car and is in critical condition.
White's father, Tyrone, was a captain with the Miami-Dade Police Department.
James was told and is inactive tonight.— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) September 20, 2020
The news was later confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered to fly White straight to Miami after hearing the news, but White decided he would still fly home with his teammates, according to NBC Sports’ Michele Tafoya. White reportedly was not believed to be at the Seattle Seahawks’ stadium during the game.
Patriots, Russell Wilson voice support for White
Patriots safety Devin McCourty gave his support to White with a shoutout after scoring a pick six for the first touchdown of the game, yelling “2-8, we love, bro” at the camera in the end zone.
Devin McCourty to the house for a PICK-6! #GoPats @McCourtyTwins
📺: #NEvsSEA on NBC
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/D3Z0XewhrI pic.twitter.com/s3rJXCaGY3— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2020
Seattle’s Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Patriots’ opponent and White’s teammate at Wisconsin, also sent a message of support.
Praying for you bro @SweetFeet_White 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 20, 2020
The Patriots announced White would be inactive for Sunday night’s game, which they went on to lose 35-30. After the game, Wilson again sent a message to White.
“My heart’s heavy because one of my teammates, James White, from Wisconsin, one of the nicest guys, teammates, one of the hardest workers, one of the best people I know, had a tough one,” Wilson said to NBC’s Michele Tafoya. “My heart’s been heavy all day thinking about him ... James, I’m praying for you man if you can hear me.”
Many other former teammates of White’s also came out in support of him, including Tom Brady.
White had 30 receiving yards and 22 rushing yards on eight touches in the Patriots’ season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Without him, Rex Burkhead saw the most action in the passing game out of the Patriots backfield with four catches and 47 receiving yards.
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