The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally have a backfield that works — and Rachaad White is making sure ego doesn’t get in the way.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the veteran running back is embracing a challenge that’s only grown louder since the 2024 season ended: Sharing the spotlight with breakout star Bucky Irving. Together, they powered Tampa Bay to the league’s fourth-best rushing attack — a huge leap for a team that ranked dead last in 2022 and 2023.
But with Irving gaining steam as the featured back, how does White feel heading into a pivotal 2025 season?
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Rachaad White’s Mindset as Bucky Irving’s Role Grows With Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The numbers speak for themselves. Irving was electric in his rookie year, rushing for 1,122 yards, scoring eight touchdowns, and averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 47 catches for 392 yards, showing off his dual-threat ability.
White, for his part, turned in a career-best 4.3 yards per carry on 613 rushing yards, while catching 51 passes for 393 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns. Still productive — but the younger back has the momentum, especially after Irving started Tampa Bay’s playoff game while White logged just one carry.
But White isn’t rattled. He knows what he brings to the table — and he’s not backing down from the challenge.
“They’re going to fall very, very well,” White said of the chips on the table in his contract year. “I just know what I bring to the table.”
The Arizona State product clarified that the “Bad Boys” backfield — his nickname for the duo — doesn’t run on ego. It runs on chemistry, communication, and a shared focus on winning.
“We’re not one of them egos and pride backfield,” White said. “We like to give credit where credit is due. A lot of things have transpired with the rushing attack … we feel like we got a great O-line, and we all got better throughout the year together in unison.”
Slimmer, Sharper, Stronger: White’s Final-Year Mindset
White, 26, spent his offseason dialing in physically to stay sharp for Sundays. He slimmed down, got leaner, and worked on hip mobility to stay fluid and explosive in space.
“I’ve just been working on a lot of hip mobility, a lot of mobility in general, joint movements,” he said. “I also slimmed down and just cut up and became lean.”
White says he’s ready to let his work do the talking in what could be his last year with the Bucs.
He’s not just locked in on the field — he’s giving back off it too. On May 31 and June 1, he’ll host his first two-day youth football camp in Orlando, Fla., at Heroes Community Park. Open to kids from kindergarten through 12th grade, the camp will feature on-field training, scrimmages, and a Community Fun Day with NFL vets.
After previously hosting his camp in Kansas City, Mo., White is bringing the energy to Florida and plans to keep it going all season long.