Alvin White (American football)


Alvin White is a former gridiron football quarterback and punter who played in the World Football League, the Canadian Football League and the United States Football League. He played college football at Oregon State.

College career

White began his collegiate career at Orange Coast College before transferring to Oregon State. As a senior he finished second in the Pacific-8 Conference with 1,960 yards and was third with 1,662 passing yards while also averaging 36.3 yards per punt.

Professional career

White earned the nickname "The Grasshopper" for moving from team to team during his career. He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 15th round of the 1975 NFL Draft. He was cut during training camp and was signed by the Southern California Sun of the World Football League as a punter. He was re-signed by the Rams after the WFL season but was again cut during training camp. White was a member of the Houston Oilers during the preseason in 1977 but did not make the final roster. He was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1978 and played in five games for the team, completing 65 of 136 pass attempts for 936 yards with three touchdown passes and 13 interceptions while also rushing for three touchdowns. White returned to the CFL in 1980 and played with the Calgary Stampeders and the BC Lions. White was signed by the Denver Gold of the United States Football League for the 1983 season. He spent 1984 as a backup quarterback for the San Antonio Gunslingers and was hired by the team as an assistant facilities manager after being released in 1985.

Personal life

White played bit parts is several football-themed movies “North Dallas Forty,” “Two-Minute Warning,” “Semi-Tough,” and “The Best of Times” and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.