Super Bowl LI: The Other New England Patriots MVP

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Sunday, Tom Brady took home his 4th Super Bowl MVP award while winning his 5th title. The New England Patriots had another MVP though.

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are champions once again. TB12 was named the games MVP for the 4th time in his career. Without James White though, it’s doubtful the Pats would have taken home another title. He set records, battled, and ensured New England fans had reason to celebrate. When the game was on the line, White’s number was called time and time again.

James White carried the ball just 6 times in Super Bowl LI. He gained 29 yards, but muscled through for two touchdowns. One, was the game winner in overtime. In the first overtime game in Super Bowl history, White came up clutch. James White was also the leading receiver, on either team.

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White hauled in a Super Bowl record 14 receptions from Tom Brady, for 110 yards. He added another touchdown through the air, giving him three of New England’s four in the game. I don’t think anyone expected such a game from White, but he made the most of every opportunity he got.

"“We knew we had a shot the whole game,” White said following the game via NBC Boston. “It was an amazing comeback by our team. It’s surreal right now. You couldn’t write this script.”"

With his play, the third-year back out of Wisconsin became the first player in NFL playoff history to have 10 catches, 100 receiving yards and two rushing TDs in a game.

James White, the 3rd back on the depth chart and the Patriots 5th leading receiver in the regular season simply took over late in the game.

Next: New England Patriots: Mind Blowing Super Bowl LI Stats

He should have been named Super Bowl MVP, but can you really fault them for awarding it to Tom Brady?