Devin White

Devin White's Biography

Devin Marcel White, born on February 17, 1998, is a formidable figure in American professional football, currently playing as a linebacker for the National Football League’s (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles. Recognized for his enviable career in both collegiate and professional football, White carries the impressive title of Super Bowl LV champion, acquired during his five-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, his success extends further than on the field: Despite several off-field controversies early on in his career, White stands as a testament to resilience and skill.

Born and raised in Springhill, Louisiana, White’s football beginnings can be traced back to his time as a standout linebacker and running back at North Webster High School. His high school career was not without controversy, with White getting in trouble with the law on several occasions for various misdemeanors. It resulted in his dismissal from the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game. Regardless, White continued to exhibit extraordinary talent, which earned him a spot with the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, where he began to carve a name for himself in the realm of college football.

White’s prospects as a talent in the game were cemented during his sophomore year at LSU, when he led the Southeastern Conference with a remarkable 133 tackles – marking the fourth most in the school’s history for a single season – and became the first player in SEC history to achieve the title of Defensive Player of the Week four distinct times within a single season. After a prosperous junior season, White bypassed his final year of eligibility to test waters in professional football, entering the 2019 NFL draft.

The NFL welcomed White with open arms, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafting the budding star with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This selection marked him as the highest-drafted defensive player out of LSU since Patrick Peterson in 2011 and the highest-ever drafted linebacker out of the school. The Buccaneers further demonstrated their confidence in White’s abilities by signing him on to a fully guaranteed four-year contract valued at $29.32 million, which included a bulky signing bonus of $19.34 million.

In his rookie NFL season, White made his debut in a week 1 match against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the loss, White made his mark by recording six tackles. The games to follow were a test of the young player’s resilience, with an MCL sprain causing him to miss out on three matches. However, he made a striking return with 12 tackles against the Seattle Seahawks and continued displaying impressive statistics throughout the season. With tremendous performances in November and December, White secured the title of the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month in both the months, eventually rounding off the season with 91 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, among other statistics that earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

White’s second season continued to elevate his trajectory in the NFL, highlighting his ongoing growth as an invaluable player on the Buccaneers’ defensive front. This was evident in his performances against numerous teams, earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice. While battling on the field, he encountered an unexpected opponent in COVID-19, which resulted in him and two other teammates being placed on the reserve list. Yet, he returned strong, finishing the 2020 regular season with a team-best 140 total tackles.

White brought his best performance into the playoffs, proving instrumental in the Buccanneers’ advancement to Super Bowl LV. Notable performances against the Saints and the Packers saw him leading the team with several tackles, secured fumble recoveries, and making an interception. His 12-tackle game, with two tackles for loss and an interception, against the Kansas City Chiefs, helped seal the Buccaneers’ 31–9 victory, earning the team the Super Bowl LV championship.

White spent another full year at the Buccaneers, with the team exercising the fifth-year option on his contract in April 2022. After several failed negotiation attempts for a contract extension, White requested a trade from the team during the 2023 offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles saw an opportunity and signed White to a one-year, $7.5 million contract on March 18, 2024.

While his game speaks volumes about his character, White’s personal affiliations enrich his persona. He carries strong Christian beliefs and is the younger cousin of retired NFL running back Charcandrick West. Despite the challenges he faced at the onset of his career, White’s commitment to his sport and his dedication to developing his skills have served him well, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable linebackers in the National Football League.