An extortion attempt against Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is currently under investigation by the FBI, his lawyers said in a statement released Tuesday.
The exact nature of the extortion is unknown, but White has retained the services of TJ Grimaldi and Michelle Gervais, via ESPN’s Jenna Laine, and their statement threatened against “illegal and defamatory threats and demands.”
The full statement:
“The FBI and other appropriate authorities are currently looking into an extortion attempt against Rachaad White. Illegal and defamatory threats and demands against Rachaad and his family will be met with zero tolerance. We will continue to exercise all legal avenues to protect Rachaad’s rights as a victim of extortion.”
White recently finished the third season of his career, in which he shared running back duties with rookie Bucky Irving after being the full-time starter in 2023. He is still on his rookie deal, which pays him a total of $5.13 million, through next season.
White was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has rushed for 2,084 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career. After Irving’s breakout campaign in 2024 with 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, White will likely enter 2025 as the RB2 in Tampa Bay, barring a trade or other notable move.
Rachaad White: From College Standout to NFL Star
Rachaad White’s football journey is a story of perseverance and talent. After starting his college career at Nebraska-Kearney, he transferred to Mt. San Antonio College before making a name for himself at Arizona State. As a Sun Devil, White displayed an impressive combination of speed, agility, and vision, quickly emerging as one of the most dynamic running backs in the Pac-12. His standout senior season, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and showcased his ability as a pass-catcher, caught the attention of NFL scouts.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, White was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round, a testament to his potential at the pro level. As a rookie, he proved to be a versatile asset for the Bucs, contributing both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. He played a crucial role in the team’s offensive scheme, complementing veteran Leonard Fournette and later taking on a larger workload. His smooth running style, patience, and ability to break tackles made him a key player in Tampa Bay’s offensive plans moving forward.
Now an established starter, White continues to develop into one of the NFL’s rising stars. His ability to make explosive plays and contribute in both the rushing and passing game has made him a valuable weapon for the Buccaneers. As he enters the prime of his career, all eyes are on him to see if he can elevate his game to elite status and help lead Tampa Bay back to championship contention. However, with recent legal troubles surfacing, his focus may be tested like never before.