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Tragedy strikes James White prior to the game

New England Patriots veteran running back James White was listed as inactive prior to the game.

Unfortunately, it was due to tragedy as White’s parents were involved in a fatal car crash that killed his father and left his mother in critical condition.

Current and past teammates played the game with heavy hearts.  On the first score of the game, a pick -6 for safety Devin McCourty, the captain paid tribute to James White by shouting into the television broadcast microphone, “2-8, we love you, bro.”

Take a look:

The Patriots couldn’t complete the comeback to win the game for their teammate, but former teammates of James White also had him in their hearts.  Tom Brady took to social media to let him now he was in his thoughts and Russell Wilson, who was his teammate at Wisconsin weighed in following the game.

"“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,” Wilson told NBC’s Michele Tafoya after the game, via NBC Sports.  “My heart’s been heavy all day thinking about him…James, I’m praying for you, man, if you can hear me.”"

If James White would’ve played in this game, I do think he would’ve been a factor in the passing game.  Would it have been enough to get the Patriots over the top?

Perhaps.

Maybe some play calls that involved Rex Burkhead would’ve played out better if it was James White on the field instead.  But, the tragedy was a reminder that life is more important than football as thoughts and prayers remain with the Patriots veteran running back and co-captain.

Grade: N/A