5 things to know about Jets QB Mike White before his first NFL start

Mike White made his NFL debut against the Patriots Sunday after Zach Wilson suffered a sprained PCL in the second quarter of the Jets’ 54-13 loss. After going 20-32 for 202 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in relief, another first is around the corner for White.

Robert Saleh announced Wednesday that White will start against the Bengals this weekend. The Jets traded for Joe Flacco to bolster their quarterback depth earlier this week, but it is White who will get the nod under center when a 5-2 Cincinnati team comes to town.

Here are five things to know about White ahead of his first career start.

Late bloomer

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

White had to wait four years to throw his first regular-season pass in the NFL, but the 26-year-old is no stranger to waiting his turn to take the reigns under center. White was not a starter until his senior year of high school. The wait was well worth it for all parties involved, as White shined and led NSU University School to a Florida 3A state championship.

Second college is the charm

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

White signed with the University of South Florida out of high school and started five games as a true freshman. White was South Florida’s full-time starter as a sophomore, but he transfered at season’s end after head coach Willie Taggart decided to switch from a pro-style offense to a spread. White ultimately landed at Western Kentucky, where he threw for 12,903 yards and 63 touchdowns in his two seasons with the program.

Former ace

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

White could have had a future on the mound if football didn’t work out for him. He had a 9-2 record with a 0.43 ERA in his junior year of high school, earning All-Broward County honors. White hung up his baseball cleats once he enrolled at South Florida, but it wouldn’t have been a bad idea for the Bulls to see if he could bring anything to the mound at the collegiate level.

Senior Bowl star

Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

White accepted an invite to play in the Senior Bowl once his playing days at Western Kentucky ended. He shined in the showcase event, completing eight of 11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. White’s performance in Mobile played a major part in the Cowboys selecting him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Practice squad veteran

Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

White’s journey to becoming the Jets’ temporary starting quarterback has been filled with numerous stints on the practice squad. White has been signed to New York’s practice squad a whopping six times since he first joined the organization in 2019. He stayed the course with the Jets instead of looking for a fresh opportunity in free agency and is now just days away from making his first career start.

[listicle id=669615]

[listicle id=669679]

[listicle id=669653]

1

1