Tom Brady earned his fourth Super Bowl MVP with a record-setting performance in the comeback shocker over the Falcons.
But the Patriots quarterback knows he couldn't have collected his fifth Super Bowl ring without running back James White, who scored three touchdowns and a two-point conversion in last Sunday's win over Atlanta.
As such Brady made it clear that for the second straight Super Bowl he wanted a worthy teammate to get a new truck, even though the MVP no longer actually comes with a free ride. Back in Super Bowl XLIX, Malcolm Butler got a new set of wheels as reward for his game-winning interception. Brady passing along the keys to his new vehicle. This time, White is the one with the new ride, thanks to his game-winning touchdown and the generosity of a famous Patriots fan.
The Boston Globe writes about White collecting a truck on Thursday night on “Conan.” The Globe says that the relatively low Super Bowl TV rating in Boston is a bit deceiving. As more Patriots players say they will not attend the customary trip to the White House with the team this spring, the Globe says the individuals in question are demonstrating “core American values.” The Globe relays that Chris Long, Alan Branch and LeGarrette Blount have joined the list of New England players saying they’ll skip the trip to Washington.
Though the *Globe *says the Patriots defense was “burned early” in Super Bowl LI, the paper writes that the unit came through when it was most necessary.
The Boston Herald writes that the Patriots advantage in time of possession was a sign that New England should have won Super Bowl LI. The Herald passes along word that Bill Belichick took part in Thursday’s Pebble Beach Pro Am in California.
The Providence Journal also notes the growing list of Patriots planning not to take part in the traditional White House ceremony. The *ProJo *breaks down the growing interest in Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
ESPNBoston.com says that after watching the film, the impact in Super Bowl LI by White and linebacker Dont’a Hightower was even more impressive than at first glance. ESPNBoston.com also notes that Danny Amendola doubled his usual workload in the big game.
WEEI.com has Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall saying that Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, not Brady, may be the best NFL player ever. WEEI.com says that Amendola is an unsung Super Bowl hero and that the receiver deserves to return to New England again for 2017, though that will likely take a re-worked contract.
CSNNE.com passes along Hightower saying he’s “looking forward to what’s coming my way” in free agency.
NFL.com has a slew of analysts debating whether Brady is the best NFL player of all time, with Jerry Rice and Jim Brown getting plenty mentions. Patriots guard Joe Thuney took home a spot on NFL.com’s all-rookie team.
The New York Times writes about the six Patriots who have said they will skip the White House trip.
MMQB.com looks at the Patriots dynasty and its place in NFL history.
FoxSports.com notes that Pro Football Focus ranked Patriots safety Devin McCourty as the 29th best player in the NFL.
