Donnie Edwards facts for kids
Edwards at the Expeditionary Medical Force hospital in Kuwait
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||||
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| Born: | April 6, 1973 San Diego, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 227 lb (103 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Chula Vista (Chula Vista, California) | ||||||||||||
| College: | UCLA | ||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1996 / Round: 4 / Pick: 98 | ||||||||||||
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Donnie Edwards (born April 6, 1973) is a former professional football player. He was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.
Donnie played college football for the UCLA Bruins. He was recognized as an All-American player in 1994. The Chiefs picked him in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL draft. When he retired in 2009, Donnie was one of only eight NFL players to have more than 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career. Since then, he has focused on helping others through charity work.
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Donnie's Early Life and Education
Donnie Edwards was born in Chula Vista, California. He is the second of eight children in his family. Even though his family faced money problems, Donnie did very well in both school and sports.
He was a smaller linebacker, weighing only 170 pounds. Donnie believed that getting a good education was his best chance for success. Today, he still strongly supports education and talks about its importance when he works with students.
College Football Career at UCLA
Donnie Edwards earned a scholarship to the UCLA. He played as a linebacker for the UCLA team from 1992 to 1995. He was an amazing player during his college years.
Donnie finished his college career with 38 tackles for losses, which was third-best in UCLA history. He also had 22.5 sacks, ranking fifth all-time for the school. In one game against Southern Methodist University, he tied a school record with 4.5 sacks. He also ranks second for most sacks in a single season with 12.5. After his junior year, he was named a third-team All-American. Donnie also played baseball for UCLA as a junior, playing first base and third base.
Donnie's Professional Football Journey
Donnie Edwards was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL draft. This was the 98th pick overall.
First Time with the Kansas City Chiefs
Donnie played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1996 to 2001. He was a key player for the team during these years. On February 28, 2002, the Chiefs decided to release Donnie. This happened because they couldn't agree on a new contract.
Playing for the San Diego Chargers
On April 25, 2002, the San Diego Chargers signed Donnie Edwards. He joined them as a free agent with a five-year contract. In his first season with the Chargers, he was chosen as an alternate for the 2002 Pro Bowl.
Donnie was a starter for the Chargers from the moment he joined. From 2003 to 2005, he averaged 154 tackles each year. He made at least 100 tackles every year from 1997 to 2005. In 2006, he achieved a special milestone. After getting half a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs, he became the 9th player in NFL history to join the "20/20 Club." This means he had at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in his career. He finished his career with 23.5 sacks and 28 interceptions.
Donnie also spent time talking to and guiding young people who came to Chargers practices. After the 2006 NFL season, his contract with the Chargers ended, and he became a free agent again.
Returning to the Kansas City Chiefs
On March 10, 2007, Donnie Edwards signed again with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played for them for two more seasons after his time with the San Diego Chargers. The Chiefs released him on February 24, 2009.
Donnie's Philanthropy and Helping Others
Since retiring from football, Donnie Edwards has dedicated his time to helping others. He gives his time and money to charities and organizations that supported him when he was young.
He hosts an event every year in San Diego called 'Dad's Day with Donnie'. This event gives children who don't have a father figure a special chance to spend a day with professional athletes. He also strongly supports the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, After School All-Stars, the Best Defense Foundation, and Jump for Life.
Donnie also cares a lot about the U.S. military. His grandfather served in World War II, and his studies in college made him want to help. He has been on seven United Service Organization (USO) tours to support military members.
Donnie's Personal Life
Donnie Edwards lives in both Rancho Santa Fe and Brentwood, California. He is married to Kathryn Eickstaedt. They appeared together on the TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Donnie is a certified yoga instructor. He has also worked as a brand ambassador for fancy watch companies like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai. Donnie has a diverse background, with Mexican, Native American, and African American heritage.
Images for kids
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Edwards at the Expeditionary Medical Force hospital in Kuwait
