Edgerrin James Indianapolis Colts & Seattle Seahawks & Arizona Cardinals

“The NFL, it’s a privilege to be here. I cherish every moment. I go out here and try to do what I can to try to get in the Hall of Fame.”

University of Miami running back Edgerrin James was selected in the first round, 4th overall, of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The team had great expectations for James as he was picked to replace the recently traded and future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. James did not disappoint.

His powerful running style and versatility led to a spectacular start to his career. James was tabbed as the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1999, captured NFL rushing titles in his first two seasons (1,553 yards in 1999 and career-best 1,709 yards in 2000) and scored 13 rushing TDs in each of his first two campaigns. He also caught 62 passes and 4 TDs as a rookie and a career-high 63 receptions and 5 TDs in his second season.

James led the team in rushing in six of his seven seasons in Indianapolis and was a key to the potent Colts offense that helped them win four division titles and post six seasons with 10 or more wins.

Prior to the 2006 season, James signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an unrestricted free agent and continued his all-star play. He rushed for 1,000 yards twice in three seasons with the Cardinals and helped them win the NFC West title in 2008 (the team’s first division championship in 33 years) and a berth in Super Bowl XLIII.

James eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season seven times during his career and topped 1,500 yards four times. A four-time Pro Bowl choice, James rushed 12,246 yards on 3,028 carries and 80 TDs during his 11-year career which ended with a final season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2009.

A three-time All-Pro choice (1999-2000 and 2004) and All-AFC selection four times (1999-2000, 2004-05), James was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of 2000s.

Edgerrin James's Stats

Edgerrin James's Championship Games

Championship Games

2003 AFC – New England Patriots 24, Indianapolis Colts 14
James started at running back.  He had 19 rushes for 78 yards and one touchdown.  He also had two receptions 13 yards.

2008 AFC – Arizona Cardinals 32, Philadelphia Eagles 25
James started at running back. He had 16 rushes for 73 yards. He also had one reception for 16 yards.

Super Bowls

Super Bowl XLIII – Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23
James started at running back. He had 9 rushes for 33 yards. He also had four receptions for 28 yards and one fumble recovery.

Edgerrin James's Career Highlights

All-League Teams
    
All-Pro: 1999 (AP, PFWA, SN)  •  2000 (SN)  •   2004 (SN)
    
All-Pro Second Team: 2000 (AP)  •   2004 (AP)   
    
All-AFC Team: 1999 (PW)  •  2000 (PW)  •  2004 (PW)  •  2005 (PW)  

Pro Bowls

(4) – 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006
 
    
In the NFL Record Book
(at time of his retirement following 2009 season)

• [2nd] Most Scrimmage Yards, Rookie Season – 2,139
• [2nd] Most Combined Scrimmage Yard Attempts, Rookie Season – 433
• [3rd] Most Rushing Attempts, Rookie Season – 369
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdowns, Rookie Season – 17
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Two-Point Conversions, Career – 5

Team Records

Colts records held by James
(Records through the 2006 season, James’ final season with Indianapolis)

• [1st] Most Touchdowns, Rookie Season – 17 (1999)
• [1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Career – 2,188
• [1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Rookie Season – 369 (1999)
• [1st] Most Seasons Leading Team, Rushing Attempts – 6 (1999-2000, 2002-05)
• [1st] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading Team, Rushing Attempts – 4 (2002-05)
• [1st] Most Seasons 100 or More Rushing Attempts – 7 (1999-2005)
• [1st] Most Rushing Yards, Career – 9,226
• [1st] Most Rushing Yards, Season – 1,709 (2000)
• [1st] Most Rushing Yards, Rookie Season – 1,553 (1999)
• [1st] Most Rushing Yards, Game – 219 (at Seattle, Oct. 15, 2000)  
• [1st] Most Seasons Leading Team, Rushing – 6 (1999-2000, 2002-2005)  
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing, Career – 49
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing, Season – 10 (1999)
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing, Rookie Season – 10 (1999)
• [1st] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing – 5 (2000-2001; 2005)
• [1st] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Career – 64
• [1st] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Rookie Season – 13 (1999)
• [1st] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Career – 2,544  
• [1st] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Season – 450 (2000)
• [1st] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Rookie Season – 431 (1999)   
• [1st] Most Season, 200 or More Plays From Scrimmage – 6 (1999-2000, 2002-2005)   
• [1st] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Career – 12,065  
• [1st] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 2,303 (2000)  
• [1st] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Rookie Season – 2,139 (1999)
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Career – 75
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 15 (2000)
• [1st] Most Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Rookie Season – 12 (1999)
• [1st] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Rookie Season – 9 (1999)
• [1st] Most Games, 150 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Career – 25
• [1st] Most Games, 150 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 7 (2000)
• [1st] Most Games, 150 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Rookie Season – 4 (1999)
• [1st] Most Season, 1,500 or More Yards From Scrimmage – 5 (1999-2000; 2003-05)
• [Tied for 1st] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Rookie Game – 3 (at Cleveland, Dec. 26, 1999)
• [Tied for 1st] Most Game with a Rushing Touchdown, Rookie Season – 8 (1999)   
• [Tied for 1st] Most Points Scored, Rookie Game – 18 (at Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1999; at Cleveland, Dec. 26, 1999)
• [Tied 1st] Most Touchdowns, Rookie Game – 3 (at Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1999; at Cleveland, Dec. 26, 1999)
• [Tied for 1st] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Game – 42 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Nov. 16, 2003)   
• [2nd] Most Points Scored, Rookie Season – 102
• [2nd] Most Points Scored in a Season, Non-Kicker – 110 (2000)
• [2nd] Most Touchdowns, Season – 18 (2000)
• [2nd] Most Rushing Attempts, Season – 387 (2000)
• [2nd] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 38 (at Seattle, Oct. 15, 2000)
• [2nd] Most Rushing Attempts, Rookie Game – 32 (at New England, Sept. 19 1999)
• [2nd] Most Rushing Yards, Game – 204 (at Chicago, Nov. 21, 2004)  
• [2nd] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading Team, Rushing – 4 (2002-2005)  
• [2nd] Most Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing, Season – 9 (2000, 2005)
• [2nd] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading Team, Rushing – 4 (2002-2005)
• [2nd] Most Games with a Rushing Touchdown, Career – 44   
• [2nd] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Rookie Game – 34 (vs. Dallas, Oct. 31, 1999)   
• [2nd] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Season – 431 (1999)   
• [2nd] Most Season, 200 or More Plays From Scrimmage – 4 (2002-2005)
• [2nd] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage – 13 (2005)
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Seasons, 100 or More Points – 2 (1999-2000)
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Seasons Leading the Team in Touchdowns – 4
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing – 4 (1999; 2004)
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Game with a Rushing Touchdown, Season – 9 (2000, 2005) 
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Seasons, Leading Team in Rushing Touchdowns – 5 (1999-2000, 2003-05)    
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Game – 39 (at Seattle, Oct. 15, 2000; at Jacksonville, Dec. 11, 2005)
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Game – 3 (at Cleveland, Dec. 26, 1999; at Seattle, Oct. 15, 2000; vs. Buffalo, Dec. 11, 2000; vs. N.Y. Jets Nov. 16, 2003; v. St. Louis, Oct. 17, 2005)  
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Seasons, 1000 or More Yards From Scrimmage – 6 (1999-2000, 2002-05)  
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Game, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 13 (2004, 2005)
• [3rd] Most Points Scored in a Season, Non-Kicker – 102 (1999)
• [3rd] Most Touchdowns, Career – 75
• [3rd] Most Touchdowns, Season – 17 (1999)
• [3rd] Most Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown – 8 (2005)
• [3rd] Most Seasons, 10 or More Touchdowns – 4 (1999-2000, 2003, 2005)
• [3rd] Most Rushing Attempts, Season – 369 (1999)
• [3rd] Most Rushing Yards, Season – 1,553 (1999)
• [3rd] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Season – 13 (1999, 2000, 2005)
• [3rd] Most Receptions, Rookie Season – 62 (1999)   
• [3rd] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 2,139 (1999)  
• [3rd] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Rookie Game – 209 (vs. Dallas, Oct. 31, 1999)
• [3rd] Most Consecutive Seasons, 1000 or More Yards From Scrimmage – 4 (2002-05)   
• [3rd] Most Game, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 12 (1999)
• [3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards From Scrimmage – 12 (2000)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Seasons, 100 or More Points – 2 (1999-2000)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Seasons, 10 or More Touchdowns – 2 (1999-2000)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 36 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Nov. 16, 2006)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing, Season – 8 (2004)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 100 or More Yards Rushing – 3 (2000; 2001; 2003-2004)
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Game with a Rushing Touchdown, Season – 8 (1999)   
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Game – 38 (vs. Miami, Sept. 15, 2002)   
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Plays From Scrimmage, Rookie Game – 33 (at New England, Sept. 19, 1999)   
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Season, 200 or More Plays From Scrimmage – 2 (1999-2000)   
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 150 or More Yards From Scrimmage, Season – 5 (2004)

Postseason Records

• [1st] Most Touchdowns, Career – 5
• [1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Career – 157
• [1st] Most Rushing Yards, Career – 616
• [1st] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Career – 5
• [1st] Most Attempts From Scrimmage, Career – 185
• [1st] Most Yards From Scrimmage, Career – 838
• [Tied for 1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 26 (at Kansas City, Jan. 11, 2004)
• [2nd] Most Rushing Attempts, Career – 157
• [2nd] Most Points, Career – 30
• [2nd] Most Rushing Yards, Game – 125 (at Kansas City, Jan. 11, 2004)
• [2nd] Most Attempts From Scrimmage, Game – 27 (at Kansas City, Jan. 11, 2004)
• [Tied for 2nd] Most Rushing Touchdowns, Game – 2 (at Kansas City, Jan. 11, 2004)
• [3rd] Longest Run – 34 (at Miami, Dec. 20, 2000)
• [3rd] Most Receptions, Career – 28
• [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, Career – 9

Cardinals records held by James
(Records through the 2008 season, James’ final season with Arizona)

• [1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Season – 337
• [Tied for 1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 36 (vs. Chicago, Oct. 16, 2006)

Postseason Records

• [1st] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 20 (at Carolina, Jan. 10, 2009)
• [3rd] Most Rushing Attempts, Game – 16 (vs. Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 2009; vs. Atlanta, Jan 3, 2009)

League/Team Statistical Titles

NFL Statistical Championships
Rushing Titles: 1999IND, 2000IND

AFC Statistical Championships
Touchdown Titles: 1999IND, 2000IND

Team Statistical Championships
Rushing Titles: 1999IND, 2000IND, 2002IND, 2003IND, 2004IND, 2005IND, 2006AZ, 2007AZ, 2008AZ  

IND Indianapolis Colts          AZ Arizona Cardinals    
    

Awards and Honors

• NFL All-Decade Team of 2000s
• 1999 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month (September, November)
• 1999 AFC Offensive Player of the Month (October)
• 2000 AFC Offensive Player of the Month (October)
• 2005 AFC Offensive Player of the Month (October)
• 1999 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (AP)
• 1999 NFL Rookie of the Year (SN, SI)

Year-By-Year Team Records

(Division Finish in Parentheses)

Qualified for Postseason in Bold

Edgerrin James's Career Capsule

Full Name: Edgerrin Tyree James

Birthdate: August 1, 1978

Birthplace: Immokalee, Florida

High School: Immokalee (FL)

Pro Career: 11 seasons, 148 games

Drafted: 1st round (4th player overall) in 1999 by Indianapolis Colts

Edgerrin James Enshrinement Speech

EDGERRIN JAMES: All praise goes to the Man up top. This is a special moment for me, my family, and those close to me. So many individuals played a part in me joining this exclusive Pro Football Hall of Fame fraternity. I may miss a few names, but if you know, you know.

I want to thank Mr. Irsay. I want to thank my Hall of Fame presenter, Mr. Jim Irsay, whom I consider to be a friend. Always been cool, down to earth. And he accepted Edge for being the Edge.

Standing on this stage, I see many of the faces that have traveled every step of the way with me on this incredible journey.

To my momma: We're here.

(Cheers.)

No blueprint, no manual and most importantly, no man. I'm your man.

(Laughter.)

Ever since you told me I was the man of the house; I took that role seriously. Mama, you did the best you could raising your five boys: Bird, Derrian, me, Jeff and G‑man. As a matter of fact, you did such a great job raising us, God gave you the assignment two times. When God took Andia, you stepped in without hesitation to help us raise our kids, and I can't thank you enough.

(Applause.)

To my children, you all make me proud to be your dad. Watching and helping y'all pursue your dreams is a beautiful thing. QuiQui, my first born, future lawyer and business partner. Eyahna, my singer, with such a beautiful voice. Emani, my plastic surgeon, you're going to help so many women feel better about themselves.

(Laughter.)

Thank you, Miss Deborah for giving me a beautiful daughter and being the selfless person that you are.

Eden, my running back: Keep working hard and blaze your own trail, and always take care of your mother. She did a wonderful job raising you. Jizzle, my basketball player: Keep working hard. It always pays off. Euro, my youngest, my hero: Keep living the life I wish I could have lived at a young age: stress‑free, without a care in the world.

(Laughter.)

MaineMaine, keep being my main man.

Family is important to me. I come from a big family. I don't want to leave anybody out, but y'all know how much y'all mean to me. Shout out to all my family in attendance and those that couldn't make it.

(Cheers and applause.)

For me, it all started in Immokalee, Florida. I learned the virtues of hard work growing up in Immokalee. Those qualities remain with me today. Immokalee High School is where I made a name for myself in football and where I became a man at a young age. I realized I could support my family through football. It took hard work, dedication and sacrifices to achieve my goals.

Thank you to my coaches at Immokalee High. Thank you, Audrey Moss, for giving me that extra push down the stretch to get into the University of Miami.

(Cheers.)

The U has always been second home to me. The city of Miami has always showed me nothing but love. Thank you, head coach Butch Davis, for believing in me and holding that scholarship. Don Soldinger, my position coach: You motivated me to be the best. I was always confident, but it was at the U where I realized how good of a football player I really was.

I mean, some of the best football players in the country played at the U. Shout out to all my UM teammates in attendance.

(Cheers.)

I see y'all, boys. Also shout out to Donde Ayre, Pierre Rutledge, Gene Mato, Charles Bennett and the rest my team behind the scenes. After all these years, we're still rolling.

The Indianapolis Colts made me the fourth pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. I'll always be grateful to fellow Hall of Famer Bill Polian for shocking the world and putting his faith in me. I played on some great teams in Indy. Played with some great teammates. Peyton Manning.

(Cheers and applause.)

We couldn't have been more different as people, but when it came to football, the way we worked, we connected like brothers. Marvin Harrison. Every day we'd meet up during special team period and talk post‑football life. Reggie Wayne, my homeboy from the U to the ‘Shoe.

(Cheers.)

Dwight Freeney, Cato June, my O‑line, Tarik Glenn, Jeff Saturday, Ryan Diem, Adam Meadows, Marcus Pollard, to name a few. It was also dope to play for fellow Hall of Famer Tony Dungy. A great coach.

(Cheers and applause.)

A great coach, but even better man who related to his players on a personal and professional level. Gene Huey, my Colts running back coach and personal friend, always on point and never missed a detail.

So to all my coaches, teammates and members of the organization in attendance, I will always cherish my years with the Colts. I was born and raised in South Florida, so coming to the Midwest was a whole different experience for me. To the city of Indianapolis, thank you for embracing me.

(Cheers.)

Leaving Indy was tough, but you know me, Edge always been about his business. Special thanks to Cardinals owner, Michael Bidwell; general manager, Rod Graves; and the late Dennis Green. My time in Arizona was short but sweet. I made enough memories and friendships to last a lifetime. We took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. I played with some great players, like Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and future Hall of Famers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

(Cheers and applause.)

Along with Antrel Rolle, Terrelle Smith, Leonard Pope, Reggie Wells and so many other talented players.

Throughout my career, I took pride in representing my culture, my people, and keeping it real, and I did it all while doing my job. In the real world, we need to think about these things and protect the people we're supposed to protect.

Now, as a running back, I had to block and protect the quarterback. Just imagine if I don't protect him from the pass rush.

In society, we have witnessed a lot of people turning the other cheek. Since we're in the football world, imagine if I turn the other cheek and don't protect my quarterback.

I played with two Hall of Famers, and I played against my brothers. People I went to school with. What if I intentionally missed my blocking assignment and one of my boys does damage to my QB? What happens to my team if I don't do my job and protect him?

Now, think about what happens to our culture and to our families when we don't get the protection we're supposed to. It tears us down. It kills our confidence. It divides us.

Do your job. That's what I did. I put my body on the line, and I protected my quarterback. We have a lot of things going on in this country. It's only right that we keep the light shining on these issues. Just do your job. If everybody did their job, the world would be a better place.

(Cheers and applause.)

For some reason, I always had to deal with perception. Perception, though, isn't always reality. It definitely wasn't my reality. People looked at my gold teeth and dreads and were shocked and surprised I had never been under arrest or spent time in jail.

So many people told me that you can't have dreads and gold teeth and be accepted in the NFL. But I never listened. I always knew who I was: a great football player, a great father, a proud Black man, a lion, and this was my mane.

(Cheers and applause.)

Which many of those doubters would later discover once they got to know the real me.

Times have changed. Look around the league. Look at some of the young stars. As a matter of fact, look at my Pro Football Hall of Fame bust. Rockin' the same dreads they said I shouldn't.

(Cheers and applause.)

My closing message: Proudly represent the real you; follow your dreams; aim high and create the life you want to live.

And to all those who have been judged prematurely because of their appearance, the way they speak, where they come from and in the minds of many should be locked up in prison, I represent us. I'm forever immortalized, locked up in the Canton Correctional Institution.

(Cheers and applause.)

Inmate No. 3-3-6 in the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

(Cheers and applause.)

My career started with gold teeth and ended with this Gold Jacket! Good night, and God bless!

(Cheers.)