Why Edgerrin James chose to be a dad first

All too often when a story about fatherhood as it pertains to a professional athlete hits the wire it is usually a cautionary tale of what not to do.

Recently, however, Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports had a chance to speak with new Seattle Seahawks running back Edgerrin James for his Gameface column.  In the interview, which came out on Friday, August 28th, James detailed why it took him so long to come to terms with an NFL team after having been a free agent since the Cardinals released him after the draft.

On April 14th Andia Wilson, James' long time girlfriend and the mother of his four children, lost her battle with leukemia. As his family grieved, James avoided the subject of a return to the gridiron.  However, with the season approaching, a discussion of the matter became inevitable and James was surprised to learn that his children wanted him to play.

Currently ranked 11th on the list of all time leading rushers, his children encouraged his return noting that he had a shot to make the NFL Hall of Fame if he returned and passed a few of those ahead of him.  Still, when the Seahawks came calling, suggesting he fly across country to join their team, James politely declined. 

Why, you ask?  Because the first day of school for his children was coming up and there was no way he was going to miss it.

On the surface it doesn't seem like such a hard decision for someone in his position to make.  The argument could be made that James has made millions during his career with Indianapolis and Arizona, and that he could have comfortably drifted into retirement.

Financial security aside, as a professional athlete, James' career has a limited shelf life, especially a running back in his thirties.  However, James was prepared to walk away from it all if that is what was right for his family.  And to their credit, the Seahawks could have chosen to go in a different direction, but they gave James the time he needed to be a father when his children needed him the most.

When James straps on his helmet again, he does so knowing that he did right by his kids.  And, as they continue to mourn the loss of their mother, they will hopefully find some comfort in watching their father continue to ply his trade.


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(examiner.com)