Before Bucky Irving became a sensation in the eyes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fanbase, it was Rachaad White that was seen as the catalyst for their roster.
He was coming off a season that wasn't entirely efficient in 2023 (just a 3.6 yard-per-carry average), but gained close to 1,000 yards on the season in an offense that reached the divisional round of the playoffs.
Once Irving was drafted, though, White was pushed to the side on the field. Some analysts have begun to question if the former third round pick out of Arizona State could be on the move this offseason.
If Irving has anything to say about it, though, that won't happen. Speaking on the Up and Adams podcast, Irving was very complimentary of White's impact on the team, and the potential they both have in their offense.
"Nah, man. I feel like he's good where he's at," Irving said. "It's a great 1-2 punch. We have a lot of great running backs in our room that could go anywhere and be starters."
White watched as a rookie runner essentially took over the starting role and did better than he ever had to that point. That could eat away at any individual in the league.
Not White, though. He has been a consummate leader and professional for both Irving and the Bucs.
"He's meant everything to me, man," Irving said. "As soon as I got here, [Rachaad] took me in with open arms. He just showed me the ropes, how the NFL is gonna treat me."
It would be extremely foolish for the Buccaneers to move on from White this offseason. Irving's comments are just an enhancement of that reality.