Dave Edwards (linebacker)

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Not to be confused with Dave Edwards (defensive back).

Dave Edwards
No. 52
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1939-12-14)December 14, 1939
Columbia, Alabama
Died:December 6, 2016(2016-12-06) (aged 76)
Laguna Park, Texas
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Abbeville (AL)
College:Auburn
AFL Draft:1962 / Round: 25 / Pick: 194
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:181
Games started:163
Interceptions:13
Interception yards:66
Fumble recoveries:17
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

David Monroe Edwards (December 14, 1939 – December 6, 2016) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Auburn University.

Early years[]

Edwards attended Abbeville High School. He was a two-way tackle and contributed to the team having a 9-1 record, while outscoring their opponents 281-19 in 1957. He received All-state honors as a senior.[1] He also practiced basketball.

College career[]

He accepted football scholarship from Auburn University.

Edwards was a two-way player who was used as an offensive end and defensive end. As a junior, he posted 6 receptions (tied for second on the team) for 74 yards and no touchdowns.

As a senior, he led the team with 25 receptions for 372 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was named to the All-SEC team.[2] He played in the 1962 Senior Bowl, where Tom Landry coached the opposing team (North).

In 1987, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.[3]

Professional career[]

Edwards was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 25th round (194th overall) of the 1962 AFL Draft, but chose to sign with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 1962. As a rookie, he started out as an offensive end on the taxi squad and was later converted to outside linebacker. He wasn't activated for any of the 14 games.

In 1963, he gained 25 lbs (from 205 to 230) and started 6 games, while replacing the injured Lee Roy Jordan and Harold Hays. In 1964, he began the season as the starter at strongside linebacker, until Chuck Howley passed him on the depth chart in the fourth game.

In 1965, he was named the starter at weakside linebacker. He would end up forming with Howley and Jordan, one of the best linebacking corps in NFL history as part of the 'Doomsday Defense'.[4]

In 1967, he had 3 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown against the Baltimore Colts. In 1969, Chuck Howley was moved to strongside linebacker and Edwards to weakside linebacker.

Referred to as "Fuzzy" by his teammates, Edwards' strength made him a difficult player to deal with against the run and he was also known to rarely make mistakes that could hurt the defense.[5] He thrived against opposing tight ends, so much so, that then Oakland Raiders linebackers coach John Madden, instructed his linebackers to study Edwards' technique in stopping the run while jamming the tight end.[6]

In 1970, he intercepted two passes against the Cleveland Browns, contributing to a 6-2 win, that was key for the team to make the playoffs.

On July 1, 1976, he announced his retirement and was replaced with Bob Breunig.[7] Although overshadowed by Howley and Jordan, he was a key component in the Cowboys' defensive dominance during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Cowboys defensive assistant coach Ernie Stautner said "The best thing you can say about Edwards is that he's a pro. He plays while he's hurt and he still does an outstanding job. That's what a pro is".[8]

Edwards missed only one game in his 12 NFL seasons, while starting 135 games. He recorded 30 turnovers, that included 13 interceptions and 16 fumbles recoveries (tied for second in franchise history). He helped the Cowboys win three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl. He played in Super Bowls V, VI and X.

Personal life[]

Edwards was a talented painter whose work was displayed in several shows.[5] On December 6, 2016, Edwards died in his sleep the day he was scheduled to undergo tests for a heart condition at a Waco hospital.[9] Edwards' son, Chris, planned on burying both of his parents' ashes together. However, his house was robbed on March 20, 2017, and his mother Gail's ashes were taken by the burglar.[10]

References[]

  1. ^ "Former Auburn, Dallas Cowboys standout Dave Edwards dead at age 76". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  2. ^ "All-Southeast 1961". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  3. ^ "Six added to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  4. ^ "Late Cowboys linebacker Dave Edwards was all guts, but got little glory". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Dependable LB Edwards Was An Unsung Player For Doomsday Defense". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  6. ^ "Dallas Cowboy Great Dave Edwards Shares His Memories". Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  7. ^ "Pokes' Edwards retiring". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  8. ^ "Great, But Unnoticed ... One Players Story". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  9. ^ "Abbeville native and former NFL great Dave Edwards dies". Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  10. ^ Eiserer, Tanya (March 29, 2017). "Burglars steal 'jewelry box' containing ashes of former Dallas Cowboy's wife". WFAA. Retrieved September 8, 2020.

External links[]

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