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          NFL Nation

          Perception shifts sharply with James White's role as key Patriots cog

          • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterMay 31, 2017, 05:00 AM ET
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
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          FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the unforgettable moments following Super Bowl LI, which was captured by NFL Films and aired on HBO's "Inside the NFL" program, came when head coach Bill Belichick wrapped his arms around running back James White.

          "Oh man, that's some football!" Belichick says as the two swayed to each side in an embrace.

          "Yes it is Coach," the understated-but-smiling White responds.

          "Way to go, buddy!" Belichick then says, before putting his right hand on White's head, rubbing it, and then smacking his hand onto White's right shoulder pad before saying, "I'm so proud of you."

          The story is timely to revisit Wednesday as White is scheduled to meet with beat reporters (12:45 p.m. ET) at Gillette Stadium for the first time since agreeing to a three-year contract extension through 2020. It figures to be well-attended by the media, as White's star is on the rise.

          But last offseason, if someone had mentioned this being the case, the scenario would have probably been dismissed as highly unlikely. Even last November, when fellow running back Dion Lewis was returning from injury and Belichick said it would take a lot to unseat White, some doubted if that would truly be the case.

          It was.

          That's how sharply perceptions have shifted with the 25-year-old White in some circles. He's won over Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and Co., with his steadiness and continued improvement, elevating from a player who was inactive in Super Bowl XLIX to becoming unquestionably the Patriots' go-to guy in the all-important "passing back" role. White played 30 snaps as a rookie in 2014; upped it to 290 in 2015; and played 425 last season.

          As for 2017, White is one of three running backs who are considered locks to make the roster based on contract status, along with Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead. Lewis is also likely to be there, while second-year man D.J. Foster has also shown promise.

          Because of how often the Patriots throw the ball, the "passing back" role is vital, with Kevin Faulk, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen among those who have played it well over the years.

          White, who is scheduled to be joined in media interviews by newly-signed defensive lineman Lawrence Guy on Wednesday, has now seized the spot with authority.