Herm Edwards: NFL Head Coach & Player Biography

Herman "Herm" Edwards is a well-known figure in American football, celebrated for his careers both as a player and as a coach. Born on April 27, 1954, in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Edwards's journey through football has made him respected for his leadership, motivational skills, and enthusiastic presence both on the field and in the broadcast booth.

Playing Career

• College: Edwards played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, and later at San Diego State University.
• NFL Career: He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977.
• Position: Cornerback
• Philadelphia Eagles (1977–1985): Edwards spent the bulk of his playing career with the Eagles, starting 135 consecutive games—a franchise record at the time for a defensive back.
• Other Teams: Brief stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons in 1986, but did not play in regular season games with either team.
• Signature Moment: Famous for his "Miracle at the Meadowlands" fumble recovery for a game-winning touchdown against the New York Giants in 1978.

Coaching Career

• Early Coaching: After retiring as a player, Edwards began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach with San Jose State University (1987–1989), then moved to the NFL as a scout and defensive backs coach with the Kansas City Chiefs (1990–1995).
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Served as an assistant coach (1996–2000), working under Tony Dungy and helping develop the team's renowned defense.
• New York Jets (Head Coach, 2001–2005):
  • Compiled a 39–41 regular-season record.
  • Led the Jets to the playoffs three times in five seasons, including a memorable playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts in 2002.
• Kansas City Chiefs (Head Coach, 2006–2008):
  • Record: 15–33
  • Guided the Chiefs to a playoff appearance in his first season (2006).
• Arizona State University (Head Coach, 2018–2022):
  • Returned to college football, compiling a 26–20 record in five seasons.
  • Known for recruiting talent and restoring competitiveness to the Sun Devils program.

Other Notable Facts

• Broadcasting: Served as an NFL analyst for ESPN between coaching stints.
• Motivational Speaker: Famous for his energetic speeches and quotes, especially his "You play to win the game!" outburst during a press conference as Jets coach.
• Legacy: Known for his leadership, integrity, and positive influence on players and organizations.

Highlights & Accomplishments

• 135 consecutive starts for the Eagles (player)
• Super Bowl XV appearance with the Eagles (1980 season)
• Led Jets and Chiefs to playoff appearances as head coach
• One of few African-American head coaches in NFL history at the time

Legacy & Career Overview

Herm Edwards: A Comprehensive Biography

Herman "Herm" Edwards Jr. is one of football’s most recognizable figures, known for his high-energy coaching style, memorable soundbites, and a career spanning over four decades as both a player and coach. Born on April 27, 1954, in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Herm Edwards has left an indelible mark on both the college and professional football landscapes.

Early Life and College Career

Herm Edwards grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Monterey, California. He attended Monterey High School, excelling in football and track. Edwards went on to play college football at the University of California, Berkeley, before transferring to San Diego State University. At SDSU, he played defensive back under the legendary coach Claude Gilbert, setting the stage for his NFL career.

NFL Playing Career

Philadelphia Eagles (1977–1985)
Edwards entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1977, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the odds, he carved out a nine-year career as a starting cornerback. Edwards became a pillar of the Eagles’ defense under coach Dick Vermeil, known for his intelligence, leadership, and durability. He started 135 consecutive games for Philadelphia, a streak only broken by injury late in his career.

• Games played: 135 (all starts for the Eagles)
• Interceptions: 33 (returned for one touchdown)
• Fumble recoveries: 5

Perhaps his most famous moment as a player came in the "Miracle at the Meadowlands" (1978), when he recovered a fumble by Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik and returned it for a touchdown, sealing a dramatic victory for the Eagles. Brief Stints: Atlanta Falcons & Los Angeles Rams
After leaving Philadelphia, Edwards had short preseason stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams before retiring from playing in
1986.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Years
After retiring, Edwards began his coaching career in the collegiate ranks, with stops at San Jose State and later in the NFL as a scout and defensive backs coach. He served as an NFL assistant coach for over a decade, most notably with the Kansas City Chiefs (1990–1995) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996–2000), where he developed a reputation as an excellent defensive strategist and motivator. New York Jets Head Coach (2001–2005)
In 2001, Herm Edwards was named head coach of the New York Jets. His tenure was marked by his passionate leadership and ability to foster resilient teams. Under his guidance, the Jets reached the playoffs three times in five seasons (2001, 2002, 2004) and won the AFC East title in 2002.

• Jets regular-season record: 39–41
• Playoff record: 2–3
• Division titles: 1 (2002 AFC East)

Edwards is perhaps best remembered for his famous post-game quote, “You play to win the game!” which became a staple in sports media. Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach (2006–2008)
Following his run with the Jets, Edwards was hired as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. He led the Chiefs to the playoffs in his first season (2006) but struggled in subsequent years as the team underwent a rebuilding phase.

• Chiefs regular-season record: 15–33

He was let go after the 2008 season, finishing his NFL head coaching career with a record of 54–74 in the regular season and 2–4 in the playoffs. Analyst and Arizona State Head Coach
After his NFL coaching career, Herm Edwards spent several years as a prominent football analyst for ESPN, where he continued to charm audiences with his energy and insight.

In 2017, Edwards returned to coaching as the head coach at Arizona State University. His tenure saw a renewed focus on discipline and player development, with the Sun Devils posting several winning seasons and appearing in bowl games.

• Arizona State record: 26–20 (2018–2021 regular seasons)

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Herm Edwards is celebrated for his motivational skills, honesty, and ability to connect with players. He stresses accountability, teamwork, and perseverance, often using memorable phrases and life lessons to inspire his teams.

Personal Life and Accolades

Edwards is married to Lia and has three children. He is active in numerous charitable organizations and is respected for his work in the community, particularly around youth mentorship and character development.

• Super Bowl appearance as player: Super Bowl XV with the Eagles (1980 season)
• Inducted into: California Community College Sports Hall of Fame
• Key catchphrase: "You play to win the game!"

From his playing days as a tough NFL cornerback to his headline-grabbing coaching career and influential work as a broadcaster and college head coach, Herm Edwards has been a consistent force in football for more than 40 years. His legacy is defined by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the game and its values.