In a momentous occasion for the West Virginia Mountaineers football program, the university has officially retired the No. 5 jersey worn by legendary quarterback Pat White. This honor places White among an elite group, as he becomes only the second quarterback in the history of the program to receive such recognition, following Major Harris, whose No. 9 was retired in 2021.
Pat White's tenure at West Virginia was marked by remarkable achievements, including leading the team to four consecutive bowl victories during his four years as a starter. Notable among these wins were triumphs over formidable opponents, including a memorable victory against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and a hard-fought win against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. White also showcased his resilience in a thrilling Gator Bowl match against Georgia Tech, where he orchestrated a comeback from a 35-17 deficit in the fourth quarter.
Throughout his college career, White compiled an impressive record of 35 wins against just 8 losses. He amassed a total of 6,049 passing yards and 4,480 rushing yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His dual-threat capabilities allowed him to score a remarkable 103 total touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football history.
Former NFL player Devin McCourty, who faced White on the field while playing for Rutgers, described him as "unstoppable." McCourty reflected on the challenges of defending against White, stating, "He was the guy that you thought you had a good game plan for. On paper, everything was covered, and you knew how they were going to attack you. Then the moment came to make the play on him, and it never happened. He made you miss or he made the great throw against good coverage." This sentiment underscores the impact White had on opposing defenses during his college career.
After leaving West Virginia, White entered the NFL, being drafted 44th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2009. He made appearances in 13 games during his rookie season but faced challenges, including a significant concussion in January 2010 that ultimately curtailed his regular-season career. Following his time in the NFL, White played in the United Football League (UFL) and had a brief stint with the Washington Football Team before concluding his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Despite the ups and downs of his professional journey, Pat White's legacy at West Virginia remains untarnished. He is celebrated as one of the all-time greats in college football, and his contributions to the sport are widely recognized. Reflecting on the current landscape of college athletics, it is poignant to consider that had White played in today's era of college football, he would likely have benefited from the financial opportunities now available to student-athletes.
The retirement of his jersey is a fitting tribute to a player who not only excelled on the field but also left an indelible mark on the West Virginia football program. While the honor acknowledges his contributions, it also serves as a reminder of the value he brought to the university and the sport as a whole.
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