White Ready for the Challenge
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is approaching a pivotal season in his NFL career. With his contract set to expire, 2025 marks a defining moment not only for White but also for second-year standout Bucky Irving, whose impressive rookie performance has earned him a bigger role in the offense.
“I’m ready to see what the year holds,” White told RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi recently. “I’m coming into the last year of my deal, I’m ready to prove what I got and what I got going on.”
In 2024, White posted solid numbers with 613 rushing yards on a career-high 4.3 yards per carry, 51 receptions for 393 yards, and nine total touchdowns. However, fans and analysts alike were calling for more involvement from the emerging Irving.
Irving’s Breakout Performance
Irving made a strong impact in his rookie season, rushing for 1,122 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. His performance marked the Buccaneers’ first 1,000-yard rushing season since Doug Martin in 2015. He also contributed in the passing game, catching 47 passes for 392 yards. By the end of the season, Irving had become the clear lead back in the offense.
A Team-First Backfield
Despite the competition, White maintains a positive and collaborative relationship with Irving. The duo shares mutual respect and credits their offensive line for their success. “We know what we both bring to the table, but me and him, we’re not one of them egos-and-pride backfield,” said White, who led the Bucs with 990 rushing yards in 2023.
“We like to give credit where credit is due. A lot of things have transpired with the rushing attack. It’s a lot of things that go into it. Me and him, we like to give our whole line a lot of credit. We feel like we got a great O-line and we all got better throughout the year together in unison.”
Coaching Changes and a New Approach
The Bucs enter the 2025 season with a new offensive coordinator. Liam Coen has moved on to become the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ head coach, and Josh Grizzard steps in as Tampa Bay’s new OC. While this change signals potential shifts in the offensive strategy, it’s likely that White will see fewer opportunities due to Irving’s rise.
Nevertheless, White remains focused and determined to make the most of his chances. “My biggest thing is to attack every day,” White said.
“Show them who I am. At the end of the day, you can only control what you can control. You have to go out there and prove it every day. I look at that in all walks of life, so I’m just going out with my mindset, just attack every day, show them who I am, and let the chips fall where they may.”
A Strong Bond in the Backfield
White’s attitude toward the situation is grounded and optimistic. He values the camaraderie he shares with Irving, even as their roles evolve.
“We got our Bad Boys handshake and things like that that we do,” said White of his relationship with Irving. “That’s our big name for ourselves. We call each other Bad Boys, for sure. It’s been amazing, our relationship is great.”
Together, White and Irving helped lead the Buccaneers to a fourth consecutive NFC South title, spearheading the NFL’s fourth-ranked rushing offense in 2024. As they prepare for another season, their partnership remains a key element of Tampa Bay’s offensive identity.
