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 Lewis Edwards Jr. (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 Edwards played college football at UCLA. He was recognized as an All-American in 1994. The Chiefs selected him in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL draft.
Edwards is one of only a few players in NFL history to have more than 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career. After retiring in 2009, he began working to help others. He focuses on charity work with the Best Defense Foundation and children who need support.
Contents
Growing Up and School
Donnie Edwards was born in Chula Vista, California. He is one of eight children in his family. Even though his family faced money problems, Donnie did very well in school and sports.
He played football, baseball, and wrestled. In football, he was a small linebacker, weighing only 170 pounds. Donnie believed that getting a good education was his way to succeed. Today, he still strongly supports education. He shares this message when he works with students.
College Football Career
Donnie Edwards received a scholarship to attend UCLA. He played as a linebacker for the UCLA team from 1992 to 1995. He was a standout player during his time there.
He finished his college career with many impressive stats. He was third in school history for tackles that stopped plays behind the line of scrimmage. He also ranked fifth in school history for sacks. In one game, he tied the school record with 4.5 sacks. He also had the second-most sacks in a single season for UCLA. After his junior year, he earned third-team All-America honors.
Donnie also played baseball for UCLA during his junior year. He played first base and third base.
Playing in the NFL
First Time with the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Donnie Edwards in 1996. He was the 98th player chosen overall in the fourth round. He played for the Chiefs for several seasons.
On February 28, 2002, the Chiefs decided to release Edwards. This happened because they could not agree on a new contract.
Time with 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. He quickly became a starter for the Chargers.
In his first season with the team, he was chosen for the 2002 Pro Bowl. He was an alternate player for the Pro Bowl that year. From 2003 to 2005, he made about 154 tackles each season. He had at least 100 tackles every year from 1997 to 2005.
In 2006, Edwards made history. He became the ninth 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.
After the 2006 NFL season, his contract with the Chargers ended. He became a free agent again. During his time with the Chargers, Donnie often talked to and helped young people who visited the team's practices.
Second Time with the Chiefs
On March 10, 2007, Donnie Edwards returned to the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed with them again after playing five years for the San Diego Chargers.
The Chiefs released Edwards on February 24, 2009. This marked the end of his professional football career.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Since retiring from football, Donnie Edwards has spent all his time on charity work. He gives his time and money to organizations that helped 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 do not have a father figure a special chance to spend a day with professional athletes. He also supports the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation and After School All-Stars. He is a big supporter of the Best Defense Foundation and Jump for Life.
Edwards also strongly supports the U.S. military. His interest in political science at UCLA and his grandfather, who served in World War II, influenced him. He has taken part in seven United Service Organization (USO) tours. These tours allow celebrities to visit and entertain military members.
In 2018, Donnie and his wife, Kathryn, started the Best Defense Foundation. This non-profit organization has three main goals. One goal is to take veterans back to the battlefields where they served. Another is to provide special retreats for military members who are leaving the service. These retreats help them focus on their mental health. The third goal is to teach people about the important history and legacy of those who have served in the military.
Personal Life
Donnie Edwards lives in two homes, one in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and another in Brentwood, California. He lives with his wife, Kathryn Eickstaedt. They appeared together on the sixth season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Donnie is a certified yoga instructor. He has also worked as a brand ambassador for watch companies like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai. He has a diverse background, being of Mexican, Native American, and African American descent.
Images for kids
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Edwards at the Expeditionary Medical Force hospital in Kuwait
