Keion White’s Unbelievable Journey: From Broken Ankle and Pizza Delivery to Patriots’ Star

Keion White’s journey to NFL stardom is a testament to perseverance, grit, and relentless dedication. The 6’5”, 285-pound defensive end for the New England Patriots didn’t follow the typical path to the NFL. Instead, his road was filled with setbacks, including a broken ankle and delivering pizzas to stay in shape. Yet, these struggles only fueled his determination to succeed, ultimately leading him to become one of the most promising defensive players in the league.

Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, White’s athletic career started early. He was a standout player at Garner Magnet High School, excelling in both tight end and defensive end positions. Despite his raw talent, White was only a three-star recruit, overlooked by many of the top college programs. He decided to attend Old Dominion University, where he initially played tight end before making the switch to defensive end in 2019. It was this change that unlocked his true potential, setting the stage for his future NFL career.

However, White’s path to greatness was far from smooth. After transferring to Georgia Tech in 2021, White suffered a devastating setback when he broke his ankle, forcing him to sit out for eight games. This injury was a major blow, but White refused to let it derail his dreams. In order to stay in shape, he took on a series of odd jobs, including delivering pizzas for Domino’s. The long hours and physical demands of pizza delivery may have seemed like a step back, but for White, it was a necessary challenge to stay in top condition while recovering from his injury.

“I just kept moving forward,” White said in an interview with The Athletic in 2023, reflecting on those tough days. His resilience paid off in 2022 when he returned to action with 7.5 sacks at Georgia Tech, drawing attention from NFL scouts across the country. White’s perseverance and impressive performance earned him a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

Once in the NFL, White wasted no time making an impact. In the 2024 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, White exploded onto the scene with 2.5 sacks on star quarterback Joe Burrow. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ quickly earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike. “He’s a game-changer,” said Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore on Patriots.com, highlighting White’s relentless energy and disruptive style of play.

Off the field, White remains humble and reserved, preferring to keep his personal life private. While little is known about his relationships or family, White credits his parents, James White and Shareese Williams, for their unwavering support throughout his journey. His mother, a respected educator, taught him the value of hard work, while his father was always there to cheer him on, no matter the circumstances.

As the Patriots continue to rebuild under new head coach Mike Vrabel, White’s role becomes more crucial by the day. With the team’s defense struggling in 2024, White has emerged as a key player who can help turn things around. His ability to disrupt the pocket, collapse the pocket, and put pressure on quarterbacks is exactly what the Patriots need to regain their defensive dominance. With every sack and quarterback hit, Keion White is proving that hard work, resilience, and an unwavering drive can turn any setback into an opportunity for greatness.

Keion White’s incredible journey from delivering pizzas to becoming a defensive force in the NFL is a story of determination and heart. It’s a story that reminds us all that no matter how many obstacles we face, with the right mindset and drive, anything is possible.