Edgerrin James is a former American football running back who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. During his NFL career, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and the 1999 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is the Colts’ all-time leader in rushing yards and total touchdowns. James also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
Early Years
Edgerrin James was born on August 1, 1978, in Immokalee, Florida. He attended Miami Central High School, where as a senior he rushed for 1,400 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was named USA Today’s Offensive Player of the Year and was rated the No. 1 running back in the nation by SuperPrep. He was also a track star, setting school records in the 100 meters (10.6 seconds) and 200 meters (21.5 seconds).
James attended the University of Miami, where he played for the Miami Hurricanes football team from 1996 to 1998. As a freshman, he rushed for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,416 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 1,399 yards and 15 touchdowns and was a consensus first-team All-American.
NFL Career
James was selected by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns, setting the NFL rookie rushing record and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. In 2000, he rushed for 1,709 yards and 13 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl. From 2000 to 2005, James rushed for over 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons.
In 2006, James signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He rushed for 1,222 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with the team. In 2007, he rushed for 836 yards and three touchdowns. In 2008, he rushed for 715 yards and three touchdowns. In 2009, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but was released after just five games.
Post-Playing Career
After his playing career, James returned to the University of Miami and completed his degree in sports administration. He then launched his own nonprofit organization, the Edge James Foundation, which works to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged youth in his hometown of Immokalee.
James also serves as a radio analyst for the Miami Hurricanes football team. He has also been involved in the NFL’s Legends Community, appearing in television commercials and other initiatives.
Edgerrin James is one of the most successful running backs in NFL history. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and the 1999 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, having founded the Edge James Foundation and serving as a radio analyst for the Miami Hurricanes.
