Former Arizona Cardinals back gets elected to HOF

Former Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James was one of five modern-era players to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday

Congratulations to former Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James.  The 11-year running back started his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Known more for the accomplishments in Indianapolis, Edge brought legitimacy to Arizona in free agency thanks to former head coach Dennis Green.  For the Cardinals, Green helped bring a still solid back in Edge from the Colts to the Cardinals.

Many were shocked the Cardinals were able to pull off the free agency signing given he was still performing at a very high level. He spent 3 seasons in Arizona, culminating with Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.

While Edge finished his career with the Seahawks in 2009, most will remember him as a Colt or Cardinals back.  He rushed for 1,159-yards in his first season in the desert, which was also the Cardinals first in State Farm Stadium in 2006.

The following season he helped the Cardinals to an 8-8 record and on the way to winning the NFC West the following season.  In 2007 he rushed for 1,222-yards and 7 touchdowns.

His career highs were achieved with the Colts.  He rushed for a league leading 1,553-yards in his rookie season of 1999 and also lead the league in his second season in 2000 with 1,709-yards.  He had 13 touchdowns each season.

He legitimized the Cardinals running game when it so desperately needed help.  He did the same for the Colts organization when they selected him 4th overall out of the University of Miami in the 1999 draft.

Over the 3 seasons in Arizona, he had 8 100-yard rushing games.  His best game was a 128-yard effort in 2007 in week 2 against the Seahawks.  He was a workhorse though, carrying the ball 21 times or more 10 times that season.