Edgerrin James
The elusive back who carried the Colts to glory and etched his name in franchise history.
via Wikipedia: Edgerrin James · see source
Edgerrin Tyree James is an American former professional football running back who played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily for the Indianapolis Colts. Born on August 1, 1978, he was selected fourth overall by the Colts in the 1999 NFL draft after a standout college career with the Miami Hurricanes. In his rookie season, James led the league in rushing yards, earning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He became the franchise's all-time leading rusher with 9,226 yards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Role
- Running Back
- Affiliation
- Indianapolis Colts (1999–2005), Arizona Cardinals (2006–2008), Seattle Seahawks
- First Appears
- 1999 NFL Season
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Inductee
- Major Honors
- 4x Pro Bowl, 3x First-Team All-Pro, AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1999),
- Key Record
- Colts all-time leading rusher (9,226 yards)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
James arrived in Indianapolis as a four-year college standout who had become the first player in Miami Hurricanes history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He silenced critics immediately, winning the NFL rushing title in both his first two seasons. His tenure included four Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro nods. After seven seasons with the Colts, James left as the franchise's all-time leader, though he later spent three years with the Arizona Cardinals and one final season with the Seattle Seahawks. In his time with Arizona, he helped the team reach Super Bowl XLIII, the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance (the Cardinals had won an NFL championship in 1947), rushing for 9 yards on 9 carries in the loss to Pittsburgh.
In Their Own Story
On September 23, 2012, the Colts honored James by inducting him into the Ring of Honor during a Week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although he departed Indianapolis in March 2006 and missed their Super Bowl XLI victory that followed, owner Jim Irsay still sent him a ring. His career was marked by resilience; after tearing his ACL six games into the 2001 season, he returned to post over 1,500 rushing yards in both 2004 and 2005. A defining personal moment occurred in April 2009 when his long-time girlfriend and mother of his children died of cancer. Following this tragedy, James requested a release from the Cardinals, which was honored on April 28. He later signed with Seattle for one year but retired in July 2011 after rushing for only 125 yards in seven games.
Reader's Guide
James holds the Colts' franchise record for career rushing yards (9,226) and maintains a best career average of 96.1 yards per game. He is one of five seasons with 1,000 rushing yards in Indianapolis history. His college legacy at Miami remains strong; he ranks third all-time in school rushing yards and holds the record for most 100-plus rushing games (14). While his single-season records have since been broken by Willis McGahee, his impact endures. James currently resides in Miami with six children, including Edgerrin "Jizzle" James Jr., who played basketball at Cincinnati, and Eden James, a running back for Howard.
Did You Know?
- James was the second NFL player to win the rushing title as a rookie, after Adrian Peterson (2007) and before Ezekiel Elliott.
- He rushed for only 14 times in Week 17 against Seattle in 2008 but gained exactly 100 yards.
- Despite missing the Colts' Super Bowl XLI win, he received a ring from owner Jim Irsay.
- James ranks 15th all-time in career rushing yards with 12,246 total yards.
- He is the second cousin of Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edgerrin James?
Edgerrin James was a legendary running back for the Indianapolis Colts from 1999 to 2008, known for his elusive style and exceptional vision. He served as the franchise's all-time leading rusher for many years before retiring as a Hall of Fame inductee.
What role did Edgerrin James play on the team?
As a first-round draft pick, he operated as the primary ball carrier who made defenders miss in open space and anchored the offense. His performance was instrumental in transforming the Colts into perennial playoff contenders under head coach Tony Dungy.
Why is Edgerrin James important to Colts history?
He defined an era of success for the club by becoming one of its most beloved figures and a six-time Pro Bowl selection. His contributions helped lead the team to a Super Bowl XLI championship, cementing his status as a franchise icon.
What major honors did Edgerrin James achieve?
During his career, he earned three First-Team All-Pro selections and was named to the Pro Bowl six times. He ultimately secured his legacy by winning Super Bowl XLI and being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
How does Edgerrin James's story end?
James retired from professional football after spending nine seasons with Indianapolis, leaving behind a legacy as the team's former all-time leading rusher. His career concluded with his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the game's greatest.