As Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White laces up for the start of the season, he's eyeing a personal milestone that's eluded him so far: his first 1,000-yard season. Falling agonizingly short in 2023, White finished just 10 yards shy of the mark.
The arrival of Bucky Irving last season shifted the dynamics of the Bucs' backfield, resulting in fewer snaps for White. But as he steps into a contract year at age 26, with a base salary of $3.406 million, White is ready to showcase his full potential.
"I'm ready to see what the year holds," White expressed to DJ Siddiqu of RG.org. "This is my last year before free agency. I'm eager to prove what I can do and what's in store for me."
Last season saw White registering 144 carries for 613 yards with three touchdowns, supplementing that with 51 receptions for 393 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Irving emerged as the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin's standout 2015 season.
Yet, there’s harmony in the Bucs’ backfield rather than ego clashes. White and Irving have branded themselves as the "Bad Boys," a testament to their camaraderie and shared goals.
"We don't navigate our backfield with egos," White commented, illustrating their unified approach. Regardless of how his role might change, White remains committed to giving everything he has.
"My philosophy is to attack every day," he said. "To show them my true self. Ultimately, you can only control your effort and performance. Proving myself is something I strive for daily in all areas of life. So I approach each day with an 'attack mode' mentality, doing my best, and letting things play out as they will."
White's focus extends beyond personal statistics; it's this mindset that may just lead to a breakthrough season as he seeks to make his mark in a career-defining year.
