Popular Patriots running back James White announced his retirement Thursday. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the more popular New England Patriots over the last few years is calling it quits.

Veteran running back James White, the hero of the Patriots historic Super Bowl comeback over the Atlanta Falcons, announced his retirement on Thursday morning after eight seasons with the team. White had been rehabbing from a hip injury that prematurely ended his 2021 season.

White set Super Bowl records with 14 receptions (110 yards) and 20 total points (two rushing touchdowns, one receiving and a 2-point play), including the game-winning touchdown run in overtime, to clinch the 34-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

White finished his career in eighth place on the club’s all-time receptions list with 381 and ranked second among Patriots running backs, behind the 431 receptions by Kevin Faulk. His 3,278 receiving yards are second among the team’s running backs, behind the 3,701 yards by Faulk.

Since 2015, White led all NFL running backs with 376 receptions and 25 receiving touchdowns and his 3,255 receiving yards ranked second. In 2018, he set the team record for a running back with 87 receptions for 751 yards and tied the team mark with seven touchdowns.

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