Joseph Addai facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Joseph Addai

Addai with the Colts in 2010
No. 29
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1983-05-03) May 3, 1983 (age 42) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	214 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school:	Sharpstown (Houston, Texas)
College:	LSU (2001–2005)
NFL Draft:	2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30
Career history
Indianapolis Colts (2006–2011) New England Patriots (2012)*
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XLI) Pro Bowl (2007) BCS national champion (2003)
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards: 4,453 Rushing average: 4.1 Rushing touchdowns: 39 Receptions: 191 Receiving yards: 1,448 Receiving touchdowns: 9
Player stats at PFR

Joseph Addai Jr. is a former American football player. He was a talented running back in the National Football League (NFL). Joseph was born on May 3, 1983. The Indianapolis Colts picked him in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played for the Colts for six seasons. During his time with the Colts, he helped them win Super Bowl XLI. They beat the Chicago Bears in that big game.

Early Life and High School Football

Joseph Addai's family comes from Ghana in West Africa. He grew up in Houston, Texas. In high school, Joseph played football for the Sharpstown Apollos. He was a quarterback who ran the ball a lot. He also ran track, showing how fast he was.

High School Achievements

In his final year of high school, Joseph ran for over 1,400 yards. He was chosen as one of the best players in Texas. Both ESPN and Fox Sports named him an All-American. This meant he was one of the top young players in the country. In track, he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds. He also ran the 200-meter dash in 22.1 seconds.

College Football Career at LSU

Joseph Addai played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU). He became one of the best running backs in LSU history. He finished his college career with 2,577 rushing yards. This placed him fifth all-time for rushing yards at LSU.

Early Years and a National Championship

Joseph started at LSU in 2001. He had a medical redshirt year, meaning he didn't play much due to injury. In 2002, he started to show his skills. He gained 98 yards and scored two touchdowns against the University of South Carolina. Later that year, he had a 63-yard touchdown run against the Kentucky Wildcats.

His sophomore year in 2003 was amazing for LSU. The team, led by coach Nick Saban, won the BCS National Championship. This was LSU's first national title since 1958. Joseph played a key role, rushing for 520 yards that season.

Standout Performances

In 2004, Joseph continued to shine. He rushed for 680 yards and caught 24 passes. He scored seven touchdowns that year. He had a great game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. He led the team with 99 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. The next week, he helped LSU beat the Ole Miss Rebels with 107 rushing yards.

During his senior season in 2005, Joseph led the team with 911 rushing yards. He scored nine touchdowns. A big moment was a win against the Florida Gators. Joseph scored the winning touchdown with a three-yard run. He had a career-best game with 156 rushing yards. He also helped LSU beat Auburn, ending their winning streak.

Finishing Strong

Joseph ended his college career in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. LSU won 40–3 against the Miami Hurricanes. Joseph gained 135 yards and scored two touchdowns in that game. He graduated from LSU in December 2005.

Professional Football Career

The Indianapolis Colts picked Joseph Addai in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He was the 30th player chosen overall. He was the third running back the Colts had picked in the first round since 1994.

Rookie Season and Super Bowl Win

Joseph Addai with the Colts on August 26, 2010.

On November 26, 2006, Joseph tied a Colts record. He rushed for four touchdowns in one game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was named the NFL's "Offensive Rookie of the Month" for November.

In his rookie season, Joseph led all new running backs in rushing yards with 1,081. He shared playing time with Dominic Rhodes. Joseph was the first NFL running back to gain over 1,000 rushing yards without starting a regular-season game. His first start was in a playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He ran for 122 yards and a touchdown.

The Colts then went on a great playoff run. They upset the Ravens and beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Joseph scored the game-winning touchdown against the Patriots. This sent the Colts to Super Bowl XLI. The Colts won the Super Bowl against the Bears. Joseph had 77 rushing yards and caught 10 passes for 66 yards. His 10 catches were the most by a running back in Super Bowl history.

Pro Bowl and Later Years

In 2007, Joseph had another fantastic season. He became the first Indianapolis Colt to gain 100 yards receiving and 100 yards rushing in the same game. This happened in a game against the New England Patriots. Because of his great play, Joseph was invited to his first and only Pro Bowl in January 2008.

On November 1, 2009, Joseph even completed his first professional pass. It was a touchdown pass to teammate Reggie Wayne. Joseph played for the Colts until 2011. He was released by the team in March 2012.

Short Time with the Patriots

In May 2012, Joseph Addai signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. However, he failed his physical exam before training camp. The Patriots released him in July 2012.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Joseph Addai now lives in Houston, Texas. He is married to Keion Addai. They have three children together. Joseph is also the third cousin of soccer player Haji Wright. Haji Wright plays for Coventry City F.C. and has played for the United States men's national soccer team.