Title: From Mountaineer to Movement: Pat White Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 🏈🔥
MORGANTOWN, WV — TIME Magazine, July 2025
The applause echoed across Mountaineer Nation as news broke: Pat White, the legendary West Virginia quarterback, had been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports. But this wasn’t about nostalgia or a highlight reel from the mid-2000s — this was a recognition of transformation, leadership, and legacy.
White, now 39, hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL in over a decade. But his influence has only grown stronger since the final whistle blew on his playing career.
A College Football Icon
Before the NFL, before the coaching and advocacy work, Pat White was a college football pioneer. At a time when dual-threat quarterbacks were still doubted at the pro level, White shattered molds and records.
From 2005 to 2008, he led West Virginia University (WVU) to four straight bowl victories, including a dazzling win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and an unforgettable 48–28 upset over Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. White became the first quarterback in NCAA history to win four bowl games as a starter.
With 10,529 total yards and 103 touchdowns across his college career, White didn’t just play the game — he elevated it.
Beyond the Field: A New Chapter of Influence
After a brief stint in the NFL and CFL, White redirected his path toward something larger than football: mentorship, equality, and youth development.
Now the head coach at Alabama State, a historically Black university, White has become a beacon for HBCU football resurgence. Under his leadership, the Hornets have posted back-to-back winning seasons, produced four NFL Draft picks, and—most importantly—boasted a 98% graduation rate among athletes.
But his influence goes far beyond wins and GPAs.
Advocate for Athlete Empowerment
White became one of the earliest high-profile advocates for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reform, arguing that players like him—who filled stadiums and sold jerseys—should have had the right to benefit from their own image. He’s since launched the Pat White Platform, an NIL educational initiative for young athletes navigating endorsement deals and financial literacy.
He’s also worked closely with the NCAA and state legislators to push for fair compensation for student-athletes, particularly those from underserved communities.
Why TIME Chose Him
According to TIME’s profile, Pat White was selected for “redefining what influence looks like in sports — not through celebrity, but through purposeful change.” His work as a coach, advocate, and mentor has directly impacted thousands of young athletes, especially at HBCUs, and has helped shift the conversation on equity and access in sports.
White’s Response? Pure Pat.
> “It’s not about being seen,” White said in a brief statement. “It’s about making sure the kids coming after me have more opportunities than I did. That’s the win that matters.”
From electrifying Mountaineer Field with every scramble and spiral to reshaping the culture of college sports, Pat White is no longer just a football legend — he’s a movement.
And now, the world is taking notice. 🏈✨
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