Randy White

The Manster: A defensive force who terrorized quarterbacks and anchored a dynasty.

Randall Lee White, born January 15, 1953, is an American former professional football player known by the nickname 'the Manster.' He played as a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL from 1975 to 1988. Before his professional success, he starred at the University of Maryland from 1972 to 1974. His dominance earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, both in 1994, along with a spot in the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame that same year.

Quick Facts

Position: Defensive tackle
Born: 15 January 1953
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Draft year: 1975
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 2
High school: McKean (Wilmington, Delaware)
College: Maryland (1972–1974)

Lore & Background

White's journey began at Thomas McKean High School in Wilmington, Delaware, where he played both defensive end and linebacker. He is still considered the 'Best All-Time Player' in Delaware high school football history. After graduating in 1971, he attended the University of Maryland, initially playing fullback as a freshman during a two-win season. In his sophomore year, head coach Jerry Claiborne moved him to defensive end, noting White had the skill to be 'one of the best five linemen in the U.S.' By his senior year in 1974, Claiborne remarked that White was 'as fast as some of the offensive backs I had coached.'

That season, he won the Outland Trophy, the Lombardi Award, and the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. Although Maryland lost to Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl, White was named the game's Most Valuable Player. His college dominance led to his selection as the second overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1975 NFL draft.

Reader's Guide

Randy White's career ended due to accumulating injuries that limited his effectiveness. In the 1987 season, he recorded only 64 tackles after making a controversial choice to cross the picket line during the players' strike; this followed shoulder surgery and a worsening bulging disc in his neck. By 1988, he played a backup role without assuming a three-point stance due to his disability. Openly acknowledging he could no longer play at his accustomed level, White decided to retire after the 1988 season, coincidentally the last for coach Tom Landry. Off the field, White married Dallas model Vicci Haney in 1978, and they have one daughter, Jordan. He is known for studying Thai Boxing under Chai Sirisute, with his round kick reportedly registering 400 psi on a gauge after two months of training.