Roddy White only interested in contender, otherwise he'll retire

ByVaughn McClure ESPN logo
Thursday, June 9, 2016

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, who was released by the team in March, said if he doesn't play for a contender, he'd be content with retirement.



"I'm considering playing for a winner, but if I'm not I'm fine just where I'm at right now," White told ESPN.



White told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he has had chances to sign with other teams since his release but only wants to join a team that has a chance to win a Super Bowl, saying "maybe six teams" meet that criteria.



The 34-year-old White, who is the Falcons' all-time leading receiver with 10,863 yards on 808 catches (63 touchdowns), has been working out in Atlanta four times a week the past few weeks to remain in football shape. Prior to that, he was training in Phoenix, as he does every year.



There is a reason why White is not in a rush to get on a roster immediately.



"I've got the kid obligations for the summer and vacations I have to do," he said.



Many people, including Falcons coach Dan Quinn himself, figured White would be a likely candidate to catch on with his former offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, now the coach in Tampa Bay. But the Buccaneers are unlikely to meet White's criteria for playing for a contender.



It will be interesting to see if he gets consideration from a team such as the New England Patriots, who tend to look at veteran players. Baltimore is believed to be one of the teams that considered White upon his release, but nothing materialized.



Even if White does find a new team, he still envisions himself retiring as a Falcon. He was drafted in the first round back in 2005 and spent 11 seasons in Atlanta.



"I would love to [retire a Falcon], when that time comes," White said. "I've been in Atlanta one-third of my life, so it's been sweet."



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