Cody White Bio
Cody White (born November 28, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans from 2017 to 2019 before entering the 2020 NFL draft as an undrafted free agent. White has spent time with multiple NFL organizations throughout his career, including the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers, before establishing himself with the Seattle Seahawks.
Early Life and Background
Cody White was born and grew up in Novi, Michigan. He attended Walled Lake Western High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete participating in baseball, basketball, football, and track. During his senior year, White stepped in as the starting quarterback for the first three games due to an injury to the team’s designated starter. He passed for 638 yards and nine touchdowns during that stretch. For the full season, he finished with 43 catches for 705 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 576 yards and seven touchdowns.
White credits his early developmental success to his youth football coach, Paul Alati. His outstanding performance earned him Michigan’s Mr. Football Award, recognizing him as one of the state’s top high school football players. His athletic versatility and football IQ developed during these formative years laid the foundation for his future collegiate success.
Path to Professional Football
Following his decorated high school career, White committed to play for the Michigan State Spartans. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman, setting a school record with 490 receiving yards on 35 catches and scoring four touchdowns. His exceptional start established him as a promising talent in the Big Ten Conference.
During his sophomore season, White battled injuries that caused him to miss four games. Despite the setback, he still led the Spartans with 555 receiving yards on 42 receptions and recorded two touchdown catches. His junior year proved to be his most productive college season, as he led Michigan State with 66 receptions for 922 yards and six touchdowns. After the season concluded, White announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL draft. He finished his collegiate career with 143 catches for 1,967 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Cody White Career
Early Career (2020)
White entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 25, 2020, shortly after the draft concluded. The Chiefs waived him on July 29 during training camp. White then signed with the New York Giants on August 11, 2020, but was waived just six days later on August 17. He subsequently signed with the Denver Broncos on August 23, only to be waived again during final roster cuts on September 5.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2020–2022)
White found a landing spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing to their practice squad on September 24, 2020. He remained on the practice squad throughout the remainder of his rookie season. On January 14, 2021, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers. During the 2021 preseason, he was waived at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the practice squad. White was elevated to the active roster on September 26 for the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and made his NFL debut in that contest, catching two passes for 17 yards in a 24-10 loss. He was signed to the Steelers active roster on October 9, 2021, marking his first regular-season roster spot.
On August 30, 2022, White was waived by the Steelers and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He signed another reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 10, 2023. He was later waived/injured on August 21 and reverted to injured reserve before being released on August 25, 2023.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2023–Present)
White joined the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on October 18, 2023. He was released shortly after but re-signed to the practice squad on November 26. He signed a reserve/future contract with Seattle on January 8, 2024. During the 2024 preseason, he was waived as part of final roster cuts on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.
On November 2, 2024, White was elevated to the active roster for the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded two catches for 44 yards and a blocked punt in that game. He was signed to the active roster on November 16, 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
White possesses good size at 6 feet 3 inches and 227 pounds, making him a physical presence at the wide receiver position. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple receiver alignments and contribute on special teams as a kickoff returner. His background as a quarterback in high school demonstrates his football intelligence and ability to read defenses.
Notable Events and Milestones
White achieved his first NFL touchdown on a 60-yard reception from quarterback Sam Darnold during a Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders. This milestone marked a significant breakthrough in his professional career after several seasons of bouncing between practice squads and active rosters. He was signed to the active roster on November 8 following this performance. White finished the 2024 season with three receptions for 90 yards and his first career touchdown in 10 total appearances.
Cody White Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning five seasons, White has appeared in 10 regular-season games with the Seattle Seahawks. He has recorded 11 career receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. His professional journey has been characterized by persistence and gradual advancement through the league’s roster systems.
Seattle Seahawks Highlights
White’s tenure with the Seahawks represents his most sustained NFL experience. His 60-yard touchdown reception against the Washington Commanders stands as the highlight of his professional career. He has demonstrated consistency in his limited opportunities, showing the ability to contribute as both a receiver and special teams performer.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to joining the Seahawks, White appeared in games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he made his NFL debut and recorded his first professional receptions. His two catches for 17 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 marked his introduction to regular-season NFL action.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 90 | 1 |
| Career | All Teams | 11 | 169 | 1 |
Cody White Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cody White comes from a football family with deep NFL connections. His father, Sheldon White, is a longtime NFL executive and former NFL defensive back. Sheldon White currently serves as the director of pro scouting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This family background provided Cody with unique insight into professional football operations and the business side of the NFL from an early age.
Personal Life
Growing up in Novi, Michigan, White was exposed to football culture through his father’s career in the league. This connection influenced his development as an athlete and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. While information about his current marital status and children is not publicly available, his focus on football development has been evident throughout his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with roster fluctuations for White with the Seattle Seahawks. He was released by the Seahawks on September 11 and re-signed to the practice squad. Three days later, on September 14, White was signed to Seattle’s active roster. However, he was released again on September 19 and returned to the practice squad. This pattern of movement reflected the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions at the wide receiver position.
White was elevated to Seattle’s active roster ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders, where he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 60-yard reception. Following this performance, he was signed to the active roster on November 8. In his 10 total appearances during the 2025 season, White recorded three receptions for 90 yards and his first career touchdown.
The season ended prematurely for White when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 30 due to a groin injury sustained in the Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers. Despite the injury, his breakthrough season provided a foundation for potentially more opportunities in the future. On March 18, 2026, White re-signed with the Seahawks, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development and contributions.