NOW VIRAL ⭐ WVU Legend Pat White Named to TIME 100 Most Influential in Sports List
In a moment that has sent shockwaves across the sports world and ignited celebration throughout West Virginia, legendary quarterback Pat White has been named to the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in sports. Known for his dazzling playmaking ability, unshakable composure, and unparalleled leadership during his years at West Virginia University (WVU), White’s inclusion on this prestigious list solidifies a legacy that stretches far beyond Morgantown—and far beyond the game itself.
TIME cited White’s “trailblazing impact on the evolution of the dual-threat quarterback, his unyielding commitment to mentorship and education, and his groundbreaking contributions to diversity in sports leadership” as major factors in his selection. For WVU fans, however, this recognition is more than just overdue—it’s destiny fulfilled.
From 2005 to 2008, Pat White became the heart and soul of Mountaineer football. He rewrote the NCAA record books as the first quarterback in college football history to win four bowl games, including a Sugar Bowl beatdown of Georgia and a Fiesta Bowl stunner over Oklahoma. He rushed for more than 4,000 yards and passed for over 6,000—a dual-threat monster before the term was trendy. His style of play helped usher in a new era of college offenses and influenced a generation of quarterbacks who saw in White the freedom to run, pass, and lead on their own terms.
But what separates Pat White now—and what secured his spot on the TIME 100—isn’t just what he did on the field. It’s what he’s done since.
After a brief NFL and CFL stint, White turned toward coaching and youth development, becoming an advocate for young athletes from underserved communities. He’s worked with high school programs across the South, led quarterback camps focused on mental health and leadership, and became one of the most vocal supporters of HBCU athletics, investing time and resources into uplifting their visibility and infrastructure.
Recently, White was named a senior advisor to the NCAA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, where he has helped shape policies that protect student-athletes and promote access to education and professional opportunities. He also co-founded the Legacy Line Foundation, a nonprofit focused on equipping young athletes with academic tools, financial literacy, and wellness resources—underscoring that greatness isn’t just measured in touchdowns, but in impact.
Social media erupted within hours of TIME’s announcement. “Pat White changed the game for college football,” tweeted ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Now he’s changing lives off the field. Long overdue recognition.” Former teammate Steve Slaton simply wrote, “Told y’all. GOAT.”
For Mountaineer Nation, the honor is more than symbolic. It’s a crowning moment in a journey fans have followed since White first took the reins at Milan Puskar Stadium. As one banner outside the stadium read today: “TIME called it influence. We call it Pat White.”
From the field to the future—Pat White’s legacy is now global.
