Edgerrin Tyree James, also known as The Edge or just Edge is an NFL player who currently plays running back for the Arizona Cardinals.
Education
James was recruited out of Florida's Immokalee High School by the University of Miami. He proved to be one of the most successful running backs in the school's history.
James ranked second in all-time University of Miami rushing yards. He was the only running back in the university's history to post two consecutive seasons with 1000-plus rushing yards, and he ranks first in school history with the most 100-plus rushing games. He also holds the University of Miami record for most rushing touchdowns in a season. All single season records held by James have since been broken by former Miami and current Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee in 2002.
James was included in a September 2006 FHM article about the success of University of Miami alumni in the NFL, titled: "University of Miami Hit Squad. The Hurricanes are Taking Over the NFL. Deal with It."
In the article, James said: "We have a little slogan at UM. When you leave the locker room, you say you're going to "hit, stick and bust dick. Then what else? Talk shit."
Career
1999 NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts selected James in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft with the fourth overall pick.
James signed a seven-year, $49 million rookie contract. Many critics believed that the Colts made a mistake by choosing James over the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. James quieted the critics and was an immediate success, and was named the 1999 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. James won the NFL rushing title in his first two seasons, before tearing his ACL six games into the 2001 season. After the 2002 season, where James failed to regain his form of 1999 and 2000, many believed that James would never recover from his knee injury. However, James rebounded well in 2003 and re-established his place as one of the top running backs in the NFL in 2004 and 2005, with over 1,500 rushing yards in both seasons.
James left Indianapolis as their all time leading rusher with 9,226 yards.
James was recruited out of Florida's Immokalee High School by the University of Miami. He proved to be one of the most successful running backs in the school's history.
James ranked second in all-time University of Miami rushing yards. He was the only running back in the university's history to post two consecutive seasons with 1000-plus rushing yards, and he ranks first in school history with the most 100-plus rushing games (14). All single season records held by James have since been broken by current Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee.
Achievements
James led the league in rushing during his rookie and sophomore season. He's currently the record holder for most total yards from scrimmage per game in a regular season career.
At 9,226 total yards as a Colt, James holds the Colts' team record for most career total yards rushing.
As of 2006 game 5, James is 2 career average yards per game (100+ games) at 123, behind only Jim Brown (126). Similarly he is in the top 5 for career touchdowns per game.
During a Monday night game against the Bears on October 15 2006, James carried the ball 36 times for only 55 yards. This set an NFL record as the most carries for an average gain of under 2 yards.
James is currently first in career rushing yards among active players.
Views
Quotations:
“Any time you get a win in the NFL, it's big. Any time you come into a crowd like this, against a team like that, it's huge to get a win.”
“Hopefully, he's the highest-paid coach out there. He deserves it.”
“It's big. It's going to go way beyond this. They're going to blow that thing away.”
“It's going to take off, you know, so that's not even a concern. We're going to be putting up some points, no problem.”
“look into the potential of a trade.”
“We have always stated our desire to do a long-term contract with the Colts, or work out a trade.”
“We've got another game this week and we're just taking it one game at time,”
“It's a matter of it all coming together at the right time.”
“We're gonna have some fun here. We always have a good time on this team. I've been getting out to see a few things and the fans have been great to me.”
Personality
Edgerrin is the total package. At 6-0 and more than 210 pounds, he combines size and speed with a wonderful feel for the game. His running style is smooth and powerful, and his splendid vision enables him to see the entire field. He also has sure hands out of the backfield.
In his younger days, Edgerrin sought out contact, eager to bowl over defenders on his way down the field. But as hes aged, hes realized the wisdom of being more elusive and avoiding big hits. Given his laundry list of injuries, this well-reasoned strategy should serve to lengthen his career.
How long Edgerrin chooses to play is another matter entirely. When he broke into the NFL, he made his priorities clear, saying that his 1 goal in life was to have fun. Its not that Edgerrin didnt work hard at his craft, but his public pronouncements caused management and teammates to wonder about the sincerity of his commitment.
The good news is that Edgerrin has begun to change his tune. Playing for Dungy has revitalized him, and the thought of a career deep into his 30s has become much more appealing.
Height: 6-0 Weight: 219
Connections
James currently resides in Miami, Florida. He has four children, Edquisha, Ehyanna, Edgerrin Jr., and Euro. On April 14, 2009, Andia Wilson, James' long-time girlfriend and the mother of his four children, died from leukemia at the age of 30.
Father:
Edward German
His father, Edward German, worked as a harvesting contractor, a job that kept him away from Immokalee for long periods of time. Edgerrin has always maintained a good relationship with his dad, but he was never a major part of his life .
Mother:
Julie
Julie raised her children by herself. To provide for her family, she spent long hours in a local school cafeteria preparing hundreds of meals a day. Her income, however, was not enough to pay for her own meals, as the family relied on food stamps to eat most weeks. When Julie couldnt make the rent in one place, she packed up her kids and their belongings, and relocated to another dwelling. If things got really bad, they were always welcome to stay in a small apartment owned by Julies parents.
