BREAKING: WVU Legend Pat White Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports
In a moment that has electrified both the sports world and West Virginia University faithful, Pat White has earned a spot on TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports. This recognition is far more than a nod to his collegiate success—it is a powerful acknowledgment of a legacy that transcends touchdowns, bowl wins, and records. It is the celebration of a man whose influence has grown from the locker room to the global stage.
Pat White is no stranger to making history. As a quarterback at WVU from 2005 to 2008, he redefined what was possible at his position. A dual-threat phenom, White dazzled fans and baffled defenses with his speed, precision, and poise. He remains the only starting quarterback in NCAA history to win four consecutive bowl games, including two BCS victories, and he set a then-record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in FBS history. But statistics only tell part of the story.
What truly separated White was the way he led—with humility, heart, and resilience. He carried not just a team but an entire state’s hopes every Saturday, becoming a symbol of pride and perseverance for West Virginians. For many young athletes in Appalachia and beyond, he was proof that greatness could come from anywhere. He wasn’t just winning games—he was breaking barriers.
In naming him to their 2025 list of the most influential figures in sports, TIME calls White a “transformational force.” His impact, they argue, isn’t confined to the field; it lives on in the athletes he’s mentored, the community programs he’s championed, and the legacy of leadership he continues to build.
Since his playing days, White has remained closely tied to football, serving as a coach and mentor, while also stepping into roles that advocate for athlete development, education, and mental health awareness. His voice carries weight not because of the headlines he once made, but because of the purpose he now carries.
For WVU fans, this honor feels personal. It’s validation of what they’ve known for nearly two decades—that Pat White isn’t just a sports star, he’s a Mountaineer legend who carried himself with uncommon grace and grit. His journey from Daphne, Alabama, to the national spotlight is one of perseverance, character, and influence.
Today, Pat White’s name joins an elite list of athletes, visionaries, and changemakers who are shaping the future of sports. But perhaps what makes his inclusion most meaningful is that it reflects more than fame—it reflects impact. Pat White didn’t just play the game; he elevated it. And now, with this honor from TIME, the world recognizes what Mountaineer Nation has always believed: Pat White was born to lead, and his story is still being written.
