[2] White started each game of his rookie season of 1976, serving as both receiver and kick returner on occasion.

In his first game against the New Orleans Saints on September 12, he caught three passes for 71 yards, with one of the catches going for a touchdown thrown by Fran Tarkenton.

In the Divisional Round against Washington, he caught four passes for 64 yards, with two of them being for touchdowns as the Vikings rolled to a 35–20 victory.

He was the starting receiver in the NFC Championship Game against Los Angeles, but he did not record a catch in the victory that saw them advance to Super Bowl XI.

In the playoffs, White didn't catch a pass in the Divisional Round versus Los Angeles that saw them play Dallas for the NFC Championship.

White, along with Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson, are the only wide receivers to make the Pro Bowl in their first two seasons with the Vikings.

The Vikings had a halftime lead, but the Eagles eventually prevailed 31–16, with White catching only one further pass in the game.

[9] White caught one pass in the ensuing Divisional Round loss against Washington, which was his last playoff appearance.