Herm Edwards is a name synonymous with football excellence, both on and off the field. From his illustrious playing career to his successful coaching stints and his current role as a football analyst, Edwards has left an indelible mark on the sport. This article delves into the life and achievements of Herm Edwards, highlighting his journey through football, his coaching legacy, and his philanthropic endeavors.
Born on April 27, 1954, in Seaside, California, Edwards began his football career at the University of California, Berkeley before transferring to San Diego State University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. His playing career was marked by significant achievements, including a 10-year stint in the NFL primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Edwards is most famously known for his role in 'The Miracle at the Meadowlands,' where he recovered a fumble and returned it for a game-winning touchdown against the New York Giants in 1978.
Edwards' playing career was not limited to the Eagles. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams in his final season before retiring in 1986. During his time with the Eagles, he earned second-team All-NFC honors in 1980 and was part of the team that appeared in Super Bowl XV. His 33 career interceptions are just one short of the Eagles' franchise record, showcasing his defensive prowess on the field.
Following his retirement from playing, Edwards transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at San Jose State University from 1987 to 1989. Edwards then joined the NFL ranks as a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990 and later became a defensive backs coach and member of the pro personnel department from 1992 to 1995.
Edwards' coaching career took a significant turn when he joined Tony Dungy's staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2000. He served as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach during this period. In 2001, Edwards was named the head coach of the New York Jets, a position he held until 2005. During his tenure, he led the Jets to three playoff appearances and two 10-win seasons, including a division title in 2002.
Edwards' success with the Jets earned him recognition as one of only four NFL coaches to lead two different teams to the playoffs in their first season as head coach. He then moved to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006 and led them to a Wild Card berth in 2006. Edwards' coaching career was marked by his innovative defensive strategies and his ability to motivate his teams to perform at high levels.
In addition to his coaching roles, Edwards has been a prominent figure in football analysis. He joined ESPN in 2009 as a studio analyst and appeared on various shows including SportsCenter and NFL Live . Edwards' insightful commentary and memorable 'Hermisms' made him a fan favorite. He departed ESPN in 2017 to become the head coach at Arizona State University.
Edwards' tenure at Arizona State was marked by significant achievements. He led the Sun Devils to consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances, including a win over Florida State in the 2019 Sun Bowl. Under his leadership, the team earned several significant victories, including Top-25 wins over No. 15 Michigan State and No. 16 Utah.
One of the most notable games during Edwards' tenure was the Territorial Cup game against rival Arizona. The Sun Devils came back from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit to earn the Territorial Cup point with a 41-40 win in Tucson. This comeback represented the largest in the history of the Territorial Cup series.
Despite his success, Edwards' time at Arizona State was not without challenges. The program faced recruiting violations, which had lingering ramifications. However, under Kenny Dillingham's leadership, the Sun Devils continued to erase these memories with notable victories like their recent 27-19 win over No. 16 Utah.
The game against Utah showcased the defensive prowess of the Sun Devils. Redshirt senior linebacker Caleb McCullough grabbed two interceptions, including the game-sealing pick late in the fourth quarter. This performance highlighted McCullough's dedication and resilience, as he remained with the team through challenging times.
Edwards' influence extends beyond the football field. He co-authored the book You Play to Win the Game Leadership Lessons for Success On and Off the Field with ESPN's Shelley Smith. He also participated in longtime NFL referee Jim Tunney's book, Its the Will, Not the Skill Principles and Philosophies of Success as Seen Through the Eyes, Mind and Heart of Herm Edwards .
Edwards remains active in numerous charitable and philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Herm Edwards Youth Foundation in 1985 with the goal of making a direct impact on the lives of underprivileged children. He is also involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
In conclusion, Herm Edwards' legacy in football is multifaceted and profound. From his playing days to his coaching stints and current role as an analyst, Edwards has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a passion for the sport. His philanthropic work further underscores his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football field.
