CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – James White was at the center of a national spotlight on multiple occasions.

White joined the Illinois football team as an assistant running backs coach during the 2025 offseason. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion, having accumulated 3,278 receiving yards, 1,278 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns over eight seasons with the New England Patriots.

Obviously, serving as a decoy center or linebacker to help Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin in drills is a change of pace.

“He just brings an invaluable level of experience from both the NFL and college levels, thanks to all his successes,” Laughery remarked. “He’s a fantastic coach who invests a lot in us. I’m really excited to start fall camp with him.”

White, who played under Bret Bielema at Wisconsin, is likely one of the most accomplished individuals at Memorial Stadium, even though he seldom talks about his achievements.

“He’s incredibly humble, which is unbelievable,” Feagin shared. “I grew up watching him play, and it’s surreal to think I’m in the same room with him. He’s just a regular guy, and you wouldn’t even know.”

White spoke with the media in March. Click here for that story.

Note: The story linked above was written/published before Josh McCray transferred to Georgia.