Patriots' White misses SNF after parents were involved in car crash
New England Patriots running back James White missed Sunday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks after learning his parents were involved in a car accident earlier in the day.
White's father, Tyrone, was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred in Florida. White's mother was in critical condition as of Sunday evening.
"Of course, our hearts go out to him," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said after the game, which New England lost 35-30, according to NFL Network's Mike Giardi.
White, the hero of Super Bowl LI, is in his seventh year with the Patriots. The 28-year-old rushed five times for 22 yards in the season opener, adding three receptions for 30 yards.
"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 losing his dad," Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said on NBC after the game. "My heart's been heavy all day thinking about him. Obviously the game was the game ... James, I'm praying for you, man, if you can hear me."
Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tweeted his condolences after learning the news:
So heartbroken to hear the news of the tragedy of my great friend and forever teammate @SweetFeet_White. There are few people that come into your life that do EVERYTHING the right way...
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 21, 2020
James is one of them. Kind, gentle, loving, fiercely competitive and hardworking. His parents raised an amazing son. And we are all grieving with James as he is going through this difficult time. Love you my friend
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 21, 2020
Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead split the backfield in White's absence, combining for 21 yards on 13 carries. Burkhead also contributed four catches for 47 yards.