NFL Legend Edgerrin James shares his gridiron perspective with Florida Youths
Edgerrin James was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor on in 2012. James scored 80 rushing touchdowns in the National Football League.
Photo By James P. Hill
By James P. Hill
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ORLANDO - Edgerrin James is arguably the greatest running back of all-time from Immokalee, Florida. He’s known as a football legend from Coral Gables, Florida to Indianapolis, Indiana. “Football is a gladiator sport and that’s the thing I’ve always loved about the sport,” James said.
James had an excellent collegiate career starring for the University of Miami. In 28 games with the U James averaged 6 yards per carry, scored 32 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,960 yards. Edgerrin attributes his success to work ethic and preparation. “Inside running that ball is one of the best things ever because if you work hard and you outwork people it actually shows,” James said. “They can see the toughest man usually wins day in and day out.”
Success in Miami payed off when the Indianapolis Colts selected Edgerrin James with the 4th overall pick in the first round of the 1999 National Football League draft. “Well it’s just tough to get to the NFL and to be able to play on Sunday that’s special,” James said. “I think everybody should cherish it and not just the fact that you’re there but what you’re able to do from getting there financially and also being an inspiration to the younger kids out here in these parks in this hot sun trying to get to that next level.”
In the NFL James earned 9,226 yards becoming the Indianapolis Colts all-time leading rusher. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks finishing his career with 12,246 rushing yards, 80 rushing touchdowns, 433 receptions, 3,364 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. James believes competing, determination, and being focused helped him outrun NFL defenders for a decade. “If your heart is not into it I don’t think you should be out there playing because it has potential to leave you with life long injuries,” James said. “Things that can hamper your future the way you walk, the way you do certain things so you got to put your all into it.”
He says student-athletes should cherish every snap, pass, and running play on the gridiron. “One day you’re not going to be running as fast, one day you’re not going to be as tough so it’s going to end so enjoy it as much as you can,” James said with a smile.
Although his playing days are over James still remains close to the game. He hosts an annual football camp, guides his own children in sports, and he’s also a fan.
“For me, all I ever knew was football. I started playing organized when I was 8 and I stopped when I was 31 so football is life for most of us,” James said. “So then after you get away from it you find yourself on the sidelines looking at the game and watching the younger generation.”
A generation James helps run in the right direction in football and in the game of life.