The dual-threat quarterback who traded a baseball career for football glory
In short: Before becoming a college football legend, Pat White was a standout baseball player with a six-figure contract waiting. He chose West Virginia University instead, promising a chance to play quarterback—a decision that would eventually rewrite the record books for both the Mountaineers and the Big East Conference.
Pat White's collegiate career at West Virginia University was defined by an unprecedented ability to both pass and run. During his freshman season, he achieved three consecutive 200-yard games, a feat that included a dominant performance against Cincinnati where he recorded 211 total yards. This momentum continued through a landmark sophomore year, during which he secured Big East Offensive Player of the Year honours and a first-team all-Big East selection.
White's versatility was statistically staggering. In his sophomore year, he became one of only eight players in NCAA history to record over 200 yards each in both passing and rushing in a single game, a feat he accomplished against Pittsburgh. He also set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season with 1,219 yards, while his 18 rushing touchdowns tied a West Virginia school record.
His influence reached a national level, resulting in his inclusion among 35 players identified by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for the Player of the Year award. Beyond his collegiate success, White was a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. He later played for the Washington Redskins and finished his professional career as a backup for the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL in 2014. Today, he has returned to his roots, serving as an assistant coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Pat White
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-pat-white.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
