Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have clarified their feelings on Rachaad White’s importance to the franchise following a 3-1 start to the 2025 NFL season.

The Bucs top the NFC South after scoring three consecutive wins against the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and New York Jets before losing to the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, over the weekend.

The 26-year-old was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2022 and is embarking on his fourth season in the NFL. White, a running back out of Arizona State, is a dual threat on offense, proving to be a key weapon for Baker Mayfield on the ground and in the air.

In 2024, White scored nine total touchdowns, three rushing and six receiving, and surpassed 1,000 total yards. However, in 2025, White proved his importance in another way after managing just one touchdown thus far. White scored a touchdown against the Texans in Week 2 and recovered a Mayfield fumble as the Bucs ran out narrow 20-19 winners.

“Getting on top of that fumble was extremely clutch, and he put his body on the line to do it,” one fan said on Reddit.

“Waiting on an extension announcement soon for this dude,” a second said.

“White is so useful, I get frustrated when people dump on him because he’s not as fast/productive as Irving,” a third declared. “White is better (IMHO) at powering through the middle, especially on short yards. He does great in pass protection and comes in clutch with blocks. But he’s a good enough running back that you have to respect him.

“When Irving comes out, you know there’s a good chance he gets the ball. When White comes out you have equal odds he runs or is in for pass protection. He’s a very versatile tool for the offense and I hope we hold onto him.”

“Probably the most overhated guy on our roster. He was never bad, and so many people hated him just because Bucky was better last year. White unlocks so much for our offense,” a fourth remarked. “Whether it be getting meaningful reps to keep Bucky fresh, being an aggressive runner, great pass catcher, or an elite blocker. The guy just does work. I’m glad we didn’t trade him.”

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The Bucs are heading into a tough three-game stretch off the back of their defeat to the Eagles. They play the Seattle Seahawks first, followed by the San Francisco 49ers and then the Detroit Lions.

Mayfield and Co. appear on course to reach a third consecutive postseason campaign. Division rivals, the Falcons, are closest at 2-2, while the Carolina Panthers (1-3), and the New Orleans Saints (0-4) lag behind.