FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS #MCM/MAN CRUSH MONDAY: RAY EDWARDS JR
Ray Edwards Jr. is sexy, talented and well-worthy of being our #MCM/Man Crush Monday. Between his talent and those muscles, it is easy to say that he is one man worth swooning over. Here is a closer look at his life:
PERSONAL
Ray Edwards is a native of Cincinnati Ohio born January 1, 1986. He attended Woodward High School where he excelled as football player. He was a two-year starter and posted 12.0 sacks, 110 tackles, and seven forced fumbles as a senior. He was a 1st-team All-State selection and was named conference’s Player of the Year at Woodward High in Cincinnati. His hard work, both on and off the field, earned him an athletic scholarship at Purdue University.
COLLEGE
Ray attended Purdue from 2003- 2006. He majored in physical education as it was his desire to become a youth sports administrator. He played in 36 games with 18 starts during his three years with the Boilermakers. He played well his freshman year earning all Freshman Team Honors by “The Sporting News” in 2003. The following year Ray’s on field performance earned him honorable mention All Big Ten choice by coaches and the media. In 2005, Ray ranked second on the team with 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He was named to the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks’ Defensive End of the Year watch lists that season. Ray entered the NFL Draft after his junior season. Despite his early departure, he finished his career tied for 17th on Purdue’s career sacks list with 16.0 and 15th with 24.5 tackles for loss.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Edwards was drafted as the 127th pick (4th round) of the 2006 NFL Draft. Ray quickly become a key component of the Vikings Defensive line that ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense from 2006-08 and ranked second in 2009. During his rookie season, he appeared in 15 of the 16 regular season games, (the most for a Vikings rookie that year) and started in 2 of the last 4 games. He recorded 3 sacks and 10 tackles. In 2007, Ray showcased his playmaking abilities when he tied for team lead with four forced fumbles and scored his first career touchdown on a nine- yard
fumble recovery at Detroit (9/16). He enjoyed breakout season in 2009 with career- best 8.5 sacks, 75 tackles (50 solo), three passes defended, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2009, he tied a Vikings playoff record with three sacks in a Divisional round game vs. Dallas (1/17) and set a Vikings record for most playoff sacks with four. In 2010, he continued his stellar performance contributing 8 sacks and 37 tackles off which 28 were solo tackles. He was a free agent after the 2010 season. While there were a number of teams seeking Ray’s services, Atlanta was his first choice of teams to join. On July 29, 2011, he got his wish by signing a 5 year deal with the Falcons. His strong play during the 2011 season has helped the defense become a top10 rated defense in the NFL.
AMBITIONS
Outside from football, Ray is active fulfilling social and business ambitions. He currently owns an athletic apparel company. The clothing line is not only stylish and comfortable but provides inspiration for owner. He also acts as a mentor for young students teaching them the importance of education and physical exercise. “Too many kids today are not active at all partly because they do not have the finances to play a sport” says Ray. It is this insight that has driven him to start his latest venture, “The Halo Project”, a non-profit foundation whose objective to provide resources to support community sports program.
