ENTREPRENEUR. AUTHOR. PHILANTHROPIST. HALL OF FAMER.
About the Edge
Edgerrin James - A Football Life
Football Life
University of Miami 1996-1998
Edgerrin Tyree James is a Hall of Fame NFL running back, successful entrepreneur, and renowned philanthropist known for his humility and relentless drive. As President and CEO of Evolving 8 Enterprises, Edgerrin leads a team of young, motivated professionals overseeing a diverse portfolio of business ventures. Guided by the core values of loyalty, principle, and sacrifice, he believes that anything worth doing should be done the right way.
Indianapolis Colts 1999-2005
Edgerrin’s rise to fame began with a record-setting football career. At the University of Miami, he became one of the most legendary running backs in college football history. Drafted fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact, earning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and becoming the only player in NFL history to lead the league in rushing yards during both his rookie and sophomore seasons. Over 11 seasons in the NFL, he established himself as one of the game's most consistent and dominant players.
Arizona Cardinals 2006-2008
Beyond the gridiron, Edgerrin James has built a thriving business empire. Under Evolving 8 Enterprises, his ventures include EJ Properties, which focuses on commercial and residential real estate development. He has expanded into industries such as fitness, transportation, and fashion, launching his own custom clothing brand, Black Lions. With a sharp business acumen and a competitive spirit, Edgerrin continues to grow his entrepreneurial footprint while inspiring the next generation.
Passionate about giving back, Edgerrin founded the Edgerrin James Foundation, which provides free football clinics, tutoring, and resources for underserved youth across the country. He remains deeply committed to the communities that shaped him, especially in Immokalee, Orlando, and Miami, Florida.
Whether in sports, business, or philanthropy, Edgerrin James embodies a mindset of continuous growth. He believes success is not about reinventing the wheel but improving it — a philosophy that fuels his journey from NFL stardom to business leadership.
Family Life
I always wanted to make sure my family was taken care of. Everything I did was about making sure they had a better life.
Above all of Edgerrin James' many accomplishments, his greatest pride comes from being a father to his six children: Qui, Eyahna, Emani, Eden, Jizzle, and Euro. Fatherhood is his number one priority, and he has dedicated his life to supporting each of his children in their individual pursuits.
- Eyahna James, a talented singer, graduated from Clark Atlanta University.
- Eden James is following in his father's footsteps as a football star at Howard University.
- Euro James, the youngest, is a senior at Olympia High School.
- Qui James, an attorney and sports agent, graduated from Howard University.
- Jizzle James is a rising basketball star at the University of Cincinnati.
- Emani James is nearing graduation from North Carolina A&T and is an aspiring plastic surgeon.
James takes immense pride in the aspirations of each of his children and is committed to helping them achieve their dreams. He hopes to inspire other fathers to be equally supportive and present in their children's lives, leading by example both on and off the field.
