James White graduated from the University of Wisconsin on Saturday, earning his degree in Life Sciences Communication after taking a final class online.
The Patriots running back, who played for the Badgers from 2010-2013, said his parents constantly stressed the importance of education. According to Mike Lucas of UWBadgers.com, they asked him every offseason whether or not he was taking classes.
“They kept me motivated,” White, now 29, said. “My wife, Diana, kept me motivated as well to finish up … It was always at the forefront of my mind.”
He said his parents were “sticklers for detail” and “set a high standard” for the boys in all facets of their life, especially academics.