A Brief Career in the Spotlight
Squirrel White entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, securing a contract with the Chicago Bears shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft. The move was notable because the receiver had drawn attention for his speed and playmaking ability during his college years.
At Tennessee and later Florida State, White posted a 481‑yard freshman season with two touchdowns and earned a 79 grade from Pro Football Focus. He followed that with a breakout sophomore campaign, racking up 803 yards and a 70.8 PFF grade, positioning him as a potential roster candidate.
Despite the early promise, a series of injuries that began after his sophomore year eroded his consistency and dropped his draft stock. Medical concerns and a crowded receiving corps made it clear that White was viewed as a long shot to make the Bears’ active roster when training camp opened.
A Quick Exit
After just 16 days on the Bears’ books, White announced his retirement, marking one of the more unusual stories of the NFL offseason. His departure came on the heels of similar retirements, most recently that of Dolphins running back Le’Veon Moss, who also signed as an undrafted free agent before being placed on the reserve/retired list.
White’s case underscores the volatility of roster spots in the modern NFL, where teams often evaluate undrafted prospects under intense scrutiny. While his brief tenure will be remembered more for its brevity than its impact, it adds to a broader conversation about player health, career longevity, and the pressures faced by newcomers.