People in Miami always seem to have an edge to them. From fictional characters like Tony Montana to real-life characters like The Rock, Miami is a city of beauty and grit. Diamonds crystallize under immense heat and pressure.
Miamian Edgerrin James has that edge to him, though he prefers gold to diamonds. The retired National Football League running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer recently traded his gold teeth for a gold jacket, but don't let that fool you: James is still James. Edge is still Edge.
These days, the former Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year known as "Edge" or "E.J." lives a life of taking the edge off. From ORVs to children's charities, Edge spends his millions wisely.
Though his days of struggle are past him, E.J. won't forget where he came from. Edgerrin James is true to Miami, through and through.
Edgerrin James at "The U"
Edgerrin Tyree James was born on August 1, 1978, in Immokalee, Florida, nearby Miami. The No. 1 song was Miss You by The Rolling Stones.
As a young football player, Edge would roll over defenses like a stone at Immokalee High School, and he rarely missed. Edge flashed Pro Football Hall of Fame potential from an early age. He also flashed gold teeth.
E.J. and his 24-karat smile joined The University of Miami in 1996 and put the NCAA on notice. Though he is a laid-back character, Edge is a defensive back-breaking rusher. He's still in the Hurricanes record books for rushing yards and touchdowns.
Edgerrin James declared for the 1999 NFL Draft and was selected in the first round as the fourth-overall pick (before Ricky Williams) by the Indianapolis Colts.
James signed a seven-year deal to make sweet, sweet music with his friend Peyton Manning up in Indy. Edge may have been born a Leo, but he was born to be a Colt.
Edgerrin James' NFL Career
We don't talk enough about how SICK Edgerrin James was for the @Colts.
via @nflthrowback pic.twitter.com/f7I5eDziXs
— NFL on CBS ? (@NFLonCBS) April 6, 2021
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E.J. lowered his shoulder and ran right through his rookie season. He was voted All-Pro, AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and to the Pro Bowl all on his first try. He had one of the best statistical rookie seasons of all time.
A 2001 ACL injury slowed E.J. down, but he returned to form in '04 and '05. That was when the Edge decided it was time for a change.
In his personal life, James moved into a Miami home with rapper and role model Trick Daddy. In his professional life, the All-Pro football player joined the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year deal in 2006.
The Colts would win Super Bowl XLI the following season and E.J. would carry the Cardinals through the playoffs to a Super Bowl XLIII loss two years after that. That was as close as Edge ever got to a Super Bowl ring.
Personal tragedy struck E.J.'s family in 2009 — the same year he finished his NFL career on a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
Personal Tragedy & Foundation
For most of his adult life, James' relationship status was stable. He wasn't married, but his long-time girlfriend Andia Wilson was the mother of four of his children, including his daughter Edquisha.
Wilson passed too soon in 2009 battling leukemia. The tragedy unofficially marked the end of The Edge's life as an NFL player. It also marked the beginning of his life as a new man.
Edgerrin James now runs a yearly summer camp for underprivileged children, free of charge. They play football and learn life lessons on his huge compound kept up by community volunteers. During those weeks of summer camp, James has hundreds of children instead of his normal six. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Aside from his noble Edgerrin James Foundation, the retired Edge keeps busy with small investments and big fun.
Edgerrin James Net Worth
E.J. still has his heart (amongst other parts) in Miami. The Edge has amassed a net worth of $40 million.
But what else would you expect from an American football player built by Miami?
Nothing less than a career bookended by gold.
