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Experiences like Under Armour All-America game lay career foundations
By Jordan Cox
Published:
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — He’s fiery. He’s charismatic. Yet he’s personable and genuine.
At the close of one year and the start of another, former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards takes a week of his time — right at the start of the NFL playoffs — and travels to Orlando to coach in the Under Armour All-America game.
Perhaps to some, it doesn’t seem all that important. It’s a huge event sponsored by ESPN and one of the top sports apparel companies in the world featuring future NFL players.
But for the 60-year-old Edwards, his commitment to the Under Armour participants and their futures extends beyond the white lines.
“It’s my way to give back to football. I owe my whole life to football,” Edwards told Saturday Down South. “I feel like I’m an ambassador for the game of football.”
Players from all over the country descended on Orlando, Fla., including an eye-popping 40 SEC commitments. Edwards, with his counterpart Steve Mariucci, took so much from high school and college football that he’s developed a sense of obligation. Edwards — like so many of the kids who played in the game last week — was afforded many opportunities because of his ability to play the game well.
“I was very fortunate. Started out like most of these guys on the high school level, was able to play college football, was able to play and coach pro football,” Edwards said. “High school is really the foundation of football. This is one way I’ll give back. It’s my way of giving back to these young guys.”
The experience goes beyond Edwards. NFL legends such as Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and LaVar Arrington serve as coaches. Many of the participating players — like Daron Payne of Birmingham, Ala. — have dealt with the recruiting process for years by the time they arrive in Central Florida. Many of the players are used to the bright lights and the big stages.
However, what’s even more noticeable is that these are still kids. They’re 17, 18 years old and headed to college, like many of teenagers. The change will be more drastic for some than others, but it will be change nonetheless.
And that’s where Edwards steps in, even aside from the Xs and Os.
“Some of them, the first week, are kind of looking around going, ‘Wow this is really a little different than I thought,'” Edwards said.
For many of the players that spent time with Edwards last week, they’re going to college because of football and the Xs and Os are important. The ESPN analyst — who has made his name for his passionte, yet intense demeanor — understands that.
Often when discussing the NFL on TV, Edwards preaches discipline, work ethic and doing the right things. His message doesn’t waver during the week he spends at the Under Armour events.
“They see the talent that’s out there, and the talent they’re going to have to compete against when they get to college,” Edwards said. “I think it gives them an idea when they go to the next level the work ethic.
“I’ve always said talent can be a curse if you don’t work at it. Don’t let talent be your curse. If you work at it you’ve got a chance.”
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
