Randy White

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

White initially played middle linebacker as a backup to Lee Roy Jordan, seeing most action on special teams during his first two seasons. After Jordan retired following the 1976 season, White moved to right defensive tackle in 1977, taking over the spot formerly held by 'Mr. Cowboy' Bob Lilly. This shift was his breakout year; he made his first All-Pro team and Pro Bowl. On his 25th birthday, he became one of only ten defensive players to win Super Bowl co-MVP honors alongside teammate Harvey Martin in Super Bowl XII. In 1978, White was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year and began a streak of nine consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. His career stats include 1,104 tackles (701 solo) and 111 sacks, with a single-season high of 16 sacks in 1978. He played in three Super Bowls and six NFC Championship Games over 14 seasons, missing only one game.

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.

Did You Know?

• White played college football at Maryland, initially as a fullback before being moved to defensive end by coach Jerry Claiborne.
• He is one of only ten defensive players in history to be named co-MVP of a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XII).
• In 1978, White recorded his highest single-season sack total of 16.
• White studied Thai Boxing under Chai Sirisute, and his round kick registered 400 psi on a pressure gauge.
• He missed only one game during his entire 14-season NFL career.