MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Netflix has announced that Pat White: Mountaineer Magic, a documentary chronicling the electrifying college career of West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Pat White. The film, spotlighting White’s record-setting tenure and his recent return as assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant to head coach Rich Rodriguez, promises an in-depth look at his dynamic play, monumental achievements, and enduring legacy at WVU. Featuring archival footage, interviews with teammates, and insights into his coaching role, the documentary aims to capture the heart of a Mountaineer icon.
Pat White, who played from 2005 to 2008, is arguably the greatest quarterback in WVU history. A two-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year, White led the Mountaineers to a 35-8 record, including four straight bowl victories—the first quarterback in NCAA history to start and win four consecutive bowl games. His dual-threat brilliance produced 6,049 passing yards, 56 passing touchdowns, 4,480 rushing yards, and 47 rushing touchdowns, totaling 10,529 yards of offense, a Big East record. White’s 4,480 rushing yards rank second all-time among FBS quarterbacks, and his 103 total touchdowns set a conference mark. His 2008 Fiesta Bowl upset over Oklahoma, where he earned MVP honors, remains a defining moment.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Marcus Hale, known for ESPN’s The Last Dance, the documentary weaves together White’s on-field heroics and personal journey. It includes rare footage of his 50-yard game-winning touchdown run against Louisville in 2007, his 204-yard rushing performance in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, and his leadership in the 2007 Gator Bowl. Interviews with teammates like Steve Slaton, who formed one of college football’s greatest backfield duos with White, and coaches like Rodriguez highlight his impact. “Pat was a cheat code,” Slaton says in the trailer. “Defenses couldn’t stop him.”
The film also revisits White’s bittersweet moments, notably the 2007 upset loss to Pittsburgh in the 100th Backyard Brawl, where a thumb injury and offensive struggles derailed WVU’s national championship hopes as 28-point favorites. Despite the 13-9 defeat, White’s resilience shone in the Fiesta Bowl, leading a 48-28 rout of Oklahoma. His ability to bounce back, as Rodriguez notes, defined his character: “Pat’s heart was bigger than any loss.”
White’s journey from Daphne, Alabama, where he rushed for 1,905 yards and 31 touchdowns as a high school senior, to Morgantown is a focal point. Initially splitting time with Adam Bednarik, White’s breakout came in a 46-44 triple-overtime win over Louisville in 2005, sparking a 11-1 season and a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia. His versatility—evidenced by games like the 2007 Rutgers win (144 passing yards, 156 rushing yards)—made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenses.
Now, as assistant quarterbacks coach, White mentors players like Garrett Greene, drawing on his experience to shape WVU’s future. The documentary captures his return to Morgantown in February 2025, reuniting with Rodriguez, who coached him for three seasons. “It’s full circle,” White says. “I’m here to give back to the program that made me.” His coaching stints at Alcorn State, USF, Alabama State, Campbell, and the Los Angeles Chargers add depth to his story, showcasing his growth as a leader.
Fans on X are buzzing, with posts like, “Pat White’s doc is gonna bring back all the feels! #MountaineerPride,” and “Nobody ran the spread like Pat. July 16 can’t come soon enough!” The film also addresses White’s post-college struggles, including a brief NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, marred by a concussion, and stints in the CFL and UFL. His flirtation with baseball, drafted by the Angels, Reds, and Yankees, adds a layer of what-ifs.
As WVU navigates the 2025 season under Rodriguez, Pat White: Mountaineer Magic is poised to reignite nostalgia for the program’s glory days. With a runtime of approximately 95 minutes, the documentary will stream exclusively on Netflix, offering fans a chance to relive White’s magic and his new chapter as a coach. Mark July 16, 2025, for a celebration of a Mountaineer who redefined college football.
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