Dedicating a bronze White statue

By John Rohde

Published: September 9, 2007

Those who spoke before him bragged about the toughness Jason White showed while overcoming two major knee surgeries before winning the 2003 Heisman Trophy.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, president David Boren, athletic director Joe Castiglione and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens heaped much macho praise upon White during his statue dedication Saturday morning at Heisman Park east of Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

"The all-time toughest player I've ever been around,” Stoops said, "is Jason White.”

However, the normally composed White cried several times during his speech, stopping twice to compose himself while thanking his parents (Ron and Sue) and wife (Tammy).

"Now you all know how tough I really am,” White said, drawing laughter from the gathering of roughly 3,000 people.

Owens said Jason's older sister, Jennifer, who played softball at Florida State, is widely considered the family's best athlete.

"My sister probably is the better athlete,” White said, "but I've got a statue. I've also got Miss America (Lauren Nelson) here (in attendance).”

White's statue now stands alongside those honoring previous Heisman winners Billy Vessels (1952), Owens (1969) and Billy Sims (1978).

On the morning of Dec. 1, 1998, White was certain he would play football for Miami.

The very next morning, one day after Stoops was introduced as the Sooners' new coach, White wasn't so certain.

The first recruiting visit Stoops made was to the Land of Braum's.

"I'm a smart guy,” a smiling Stoops said of prioritizing White.

Ironically, White's bronze statue at Heisman Park was dedicated two hours before the Sooners played Miami on Saturday.

"I can honestly say I would have gone to Miami if it wasn't for coach Stoops,” White said. "I had already made my choice that I was going to go there. It definitely opened my eye when he was announced as head coach. It really impressed me that he came to visit me first.

"He really convinced me they were going to turn this program around,” White said of Stoops, who replaced John Blake (12-22-0). "I thought he'd do it and I'm glad he did.”

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