Foxborough, Massachusetts - New England running back James White announced his retirement on Thursday following his eight-year career as a member of the Patriots.

Just hours before the New England Patriots’ preseason opener, the three-time Super Bowl champion took to social media to deliver shocking news: he has decided to retire from the NFL.

"To be able to play my entire career for one franchise, in front of the best fans in the NFL, has been a tremendous blessing and honor," the veteran and team captain said in a statement.

"New England will be in my heart forever," he posted on Twitter. "Thank you for unwavering support over the years. I am forever grateful."

White joined the patriots as a fourth-round draft pick in the 2014. The 33-year-old will end his career with 95 regular season games and 12 playoff games, totaling a combined 5,208 yards from scrimmage and 44 career touchdowns.

In 2017, White delivered a record-setting performance in Super Bowl LI, helping the Patriots overcome a 28-3 deficit by scoring 20 points, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. White earned his third Super Bowl ring and was voted Super Bowl LI MVP.

White leaves the Patriots' front office with both an easy and hard decision, as the team is in the midst of NFL training camp and making critical roster choices and cuts ahead of the upcoming season.

While White's absence leaves room for the franchise to add a player on their roster, the team is now left with the responsibility of filling the big shoes White's legacy leaves behind.

"James defines the term 'consummate professional,'" head coach Bill Belichick said of White. "His dependability, consistency, unselfishness and performance under pressure are elite. Combining great intelligence, quickness and elusiveness, James was a perfect fit for our pass offense."

"While soft-spoken, he brought exceptional leadership and competitive toughness to the team. He was a multi-year team captain and one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached."

Without White, the Patriots will open their preseason playing against the New York Giants on Thursday night at 7PM.