James White inspired by Robert Kraft's ‘awesome' effort to combat coronavirus

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James White is limited in how he can prepare for the 2020 NFL season (if it even happens).

But the New England Patriots running back is aware he's better off than a lot of people struggling to adapt amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

White offered that perspective Thursday while reacting to the news that Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped commission the team plane to transport 1.2 million N95 protective masks from China to Massachusetts to aid health care workers battling the virus.

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"That's awesome. That's huge at this point in time," White said in a Zoom conference call. "You have doctors, nurses, all of those people on the front line taking care of sick people each and every day. It's kind of a crazy situation right now."

White also stressed the importance of Kraft and the Patriots helping those who have lost their jobs or food security due to the pandemic.

"I know people that have the affluence to help others, I think it's an important time for us to try to help as many people as possible, especially those who are sick," White said. "There are some people getting laid off, don't know when a check is coming or where their next meal is coming. So, it's a difficult time.

"I know some of us were able to spend time with our family and things are OK. We're able to get groceries. But there's some people who aren't able to get groceries and don't know when that next meal is coming, so it's kind of difficult for a lot of people."

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White, who is currently with his family in Florida, joined Kraft and fellow captain David Andrews in thanking health care workers Monday on National Doctors Day. Patriots coach Bill Belichick joined in Wednesday, recording a video telling fans how they can do their part to slow the spread of the virus.

The Kraft family then took action this week by lending their plane (and paying for a large portion of the masks) in a gesture that inspired White.

"As soon as you step into the building, you see how much the Kraft family does, not only in helping out the Boston community but the community across the world," White said. "And it makes you want to help others."

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