Edward George, born and raised in Philadelphia, transitioned from a celebrated professional football player to a successful coach at Tennessee State University. He played nine seasons in the National Football League, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, and the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Learn more about the life and career of this renowned athlete on iphiladelphia.
Education and Football Roots
Edward was born on September 24, 1973, in Philadelphia. He attended Abington Senior High School, where he began playing for the school football team. He then continued his education at Fork Union Military Academy, staying for a postgraduate year. This period was marked by intense training and constant self-improvement. By then, he had already decided to become a professional football player, so he needed to capture the attention of coaches and deliver exceptional results.
He continued his studies at Ohio State University, majoring in landscape architecture while continuing to play football. In his freshman year, he showed promising results, but then began to struggle. Several consecutive games were unsuccessful for him, yet Edward never gave up on his dream. In the following season, he improved his performance and climbed to third in the team’s rankings.
In the 1995 season, Edward set a record with 1,927 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. A significant achievement from that period was a dominant 45–26 victory over the Notre Dame team. After his freshman year struggles, he made only a few mistakes. By the time he graduated, he was second in school history for rushing yards and third for rushing touchdowns.
A Thriving Professional Career
Given these impressive results, there was no doubt that a professional career awaited Eddie George. In the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Houston Oilers. That same year, he received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Edward played as the starting running back for that team until 2003 and never missed a start. From 1997 to 2000, he made Pro Bowl appearances. With George on the roster, the team reached Super Bowl XXXIV.
The running back consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards in all but one season. However, journalists began noting a decline in his productivity. In five of his eight seasons, he carried the ball more than 330 times. In 2001, his performance indeed worsened. Furthermore, he suffered toe and ankle injuries. At that point, team owner Bud Adams decided to release the player, which he did in July 2004. It’s known that he offered George a pay cut, but George declined.
For Edward, being released wasn’t the end of his career. Almost immediately, he signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys worth over $1.5 million, a significant increase compared to his previous deal. George started in eight games for the Cowboys before being placed in reserve. In 2006, the football player announced his retirement from professional play.
Eddie George’s career totals include 10,441 rushing yards, 268 receptions, 2,227 receiving yards, and 78 touchdowns. With such remarkable statistics and continued recognition in the professional sports world, George also carved out a successful path as a coach:
- In 2021, he was appointed as the head coach of Tennessee State University.
- His five-year contract was reportedly worth $400,000 per year.
- In 2024, he was recognized as the Coach of the Year by the Big South–OVC Association.
Furthermore, Eddie George has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame since 2011 and the International Sports Hall of Fame since 2020.
Personal Life and Public Advocacy
Eddie George has consistently advocated for a healthy lifestyle. In 2006, he was appointed as the spokesperson for Tennessee’s GetFitTN program, aimed at promoting type 2 diabetes prevention and encouraging an active lifestyle. In 2007, the former football player participated in a half-marathon, completing it in two hours. He later remarked that it was tougher than playing professional football.
After his playing career, Eddie George continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State. He then attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he earned a Master’s degree. The former football player also opened his own restaurant in Columbus.
Regarding his personal life, in 2004, Eddie married Tamara “Taj” Johnson. His wife is an American singer, rapper, writer, and actress, best known for her involvement with the R&B group SWV (Sisters with Voices). Additionally, she participated in the CBS reality show “Survivor.” In one episode, Eddie even made a surprise appearance, much to his wife’s astonishment.
Overall, the famous football player is a public figure and enjoys performing on stage. He has appeared in several Broadway shows and played episodic roles in films. In 2024, Eddie George celebrated his 51st birthday and continues to lead an active lifestyle and engage in sports. His life journey serves as an excellent example for many young players just beginning their careers. Eddie’s story inspires and encourages self-improvement to reach athletic pinnacles.