On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they would induct former running back Edgerrin James into the team’s “Ring of Honor” this fall. James will be the ninth player to be inducted into the organization’s honorary guild.
James joined the Colts organization in 1999 as the team’s first round draft pick and was the fourth pick overall. James went on to set incredible records within the Colts organization: number of rushing attempts (2,188), rushing yards (9,226), rushing touchdowns (64), and 100-plus yard games (49). He still holds all of these records to date. When the Colts added James to the roster in 1999, he, along with Peyton Manning (who was drafted by the Colts in 1998) and others, helped turn the Colts around into a powerhouse team.
After James’ seven-year contract with the Colts was up in 2006, James went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals. He signed a four year contract with the Cardinals, but only stayed for three years after his girlfriend and mother of his children died of cancer. He asked to be let go in order to grieve and be there for his children; the Cardinals granted that request. James spent the 2009 season with the Seattle Seahawks and retired at the end of that year.
James will be the ninth person to be inducted into the Colts “Ring of Honor.” Other members include Robert Irsay, Bill Brooks, Tony Dungy, Jim Harbaugh, Marvin Harrison, Chris Hinton, Ted Marchibroda and the 12th Man. James will be honored during the Colts September 23, 2012 home game against fellow AFC South team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
