Edgerrin James
The fourth overall pick who became the Colts' all-time leading rusher and a two-time NFL rushing champion.
via Wikipedia: Edgerrin James · see source
Edgerrin James, born August 1, 1978, is an American former professional football running back who played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts. Selected fourth overall by the Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, he became an immediate sensation, leading the league in rushing yards during his rookie season and earning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. A standout from the University of Miami where he set school records for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, James spent seven years in Indianapolis before finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. He ranks 14th all-time in rushing yards, holds the Colts' franchise record for career rushing, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Role
- Running Back
- Affiliation
- Indianapolis Colts (1999–2006)
- Draft Status
- 4th Overall Pick (1999 NFL Draft)
- Key Honors
- 4× Pro Bowl, 3× First-team All-Pro, AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
James silenced critics immediately after being selected fourth overall in the 1999 draft, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award by leading the league in rushing yards. He achieved this feat again in his second season, becoming the last player to win the rushing title as a rookie until Ezekiel Elliott. Over seven seasons in Indianapolis, James earned four Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors while consistently breaking records. Although he tore his ACL six games into the 2001 season, he returned to post over 1,500 rushing yards in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He left Indianapolis as its all-time leading rusher with 9,226 yards. Despite departing before the team won Super Bowl XLI, owner Jim Irsay sent him a ring. On September 23, 2012, he was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In Their Own Story
After seven seasons with the Colts, James signed a four-year, $30 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals on March 23, 2006. He became the active career rushing leader at the start of 2007 following Corey Dillon's retirement. In the playoffs, he helped lead the franchise to its Super Bowl debut in Super Bowl XLIII. During that postseason run, James averaged 4.6 yards per carry against Atlanta, rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown against Carolina, and gained 73 yards in the NFC Championship win over Philadelphia. Although his long-time girlfriend Andia Wilson died of cancer in April 2009, he finished the season before asking for his release. He briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks on August 24, 2009, on a one-year, $2 million contract, but played only seven games with a career-low 46 carries before being cut on November 3. He announced his retirement on July 26, 2011.
Reader's Guide
Fans should note that James holds the Colts' franchise record for most career rushing yards (9,226), best career rushing yards per game average (96.1), and most seasons with 1,000 rushing yards (5). He was selected fourth overall in the 1999 NFL draft, not second, despite some historical confusion regarding his standing among top picks. His college dominance at Miami included being the first player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons and holding the record for most 100-plus rushing games (14). While he ranks third in all-time University of Miami rushing yards, some single-season records have since been broken by Willis McGahee. James retired with 12,246 career rushing yards (ranking 15th at retirement) and 80 touchdowns. His legacy is further defined by his induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame on April 23, 2009.
Did You Know?
- James was the last NFL player to win the rushing title in his rookie season until Ezekiel Elliott.
- Although he left the Colts before they won Super Bowl XLI, owner Jim Irsay still sent him a Super Bowl ring.
- He holds the Indianapolis Colts franchise record for career rushing yards with 9,226.
- James was the first player in University of Miami history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edgerrin James?
He is a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who spent the majority of his career defining the Indianapolis Colts offense from 1999 to 2006. Selected fourth overall in the draft, he immediately established himself as one of the league's premier ball carriers.
What was Edgerrin James's role on the field?
Operating primarily as a running back, his job involved carrying the football to gain yards and occasionally catching passes out of the backfield. His vision and durability allowed him to lead the NFL in rushing yardage during two separate seasons.
Where did Edgerrin James play after leaving Indianapolis?
Following seven years with the Colts, he concluded his eleven-season tenure by playing for the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. He officially retired from professional competition after the 2009 season ended.
What are Edgerrin James's biggest achievements?
He remains the all-time leading rusher in franchise history and earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time in Indianapolis. His accolades also include being named the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after his debut campaign.
Did Edgerrin James win a Super Bowl ring?
Despite his individual success, he never won a Super Bowl championship while active as a player on any team. His career is celebrated for statistical dominance rather than a specific title victory.