With the 4th pick of the 1999 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Edgerrin James, running back from the University of Miami.” Those words marked the beginning of an era for the Indianapolis Colts. While some questioned the pick at the time, history would vindicate the choice as one of the most pivotal decisions in franchise history.
A Bold Choice
The 1999 draft class featured several high-profile prospects, including Texas running back Ricky Williams, who many believed was the best back available. When the Colts passed on Williams to select Edgerrin James, the move raised eyebrows. But Colts General Manager Bill Polian saw something special in James: a perfect blend of power, speed, and vision that complemented the Colts’ budding franchise quarterback, Peyton Manning.
Polian later explained, “Edgerrin fit exactly what we were looking for. He was versatile, a team player, and someone who could carry the load both as a runner and a receiver.”
Immediate Impact
James wasted no time silencing critics. As a rookie, he led the NFL in rushing with 1,553 yards and added 13 touchdowns on the ground, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield added another dimension to the Colts’ offense, which quickly became one of the league’s most dynamic units.
In his first two seasons, James amassed over 4,100 total yards and 35 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the NFL’s elite players. His success helped propel the Colts to multiple playoff appearances and laid the foundation for their dominance in the early 2000s.
The Perfect Fit
Edgerrin James wasn’t just a great running back; he was the perfect complement to Peyton Manning and the Colts’ high-octane offense. While Manning dissected defenses with his arm, James provided balance, forcing opponents to respect the run and opening up opportunities in the passing game.
James’ ability to read blocks, break tackles, and contribute as a receiver made him a nightmare for defenses. His chemistry with Manning and the rest of the offense was evident on the field, as the Colts routinely ranked among the league’s top scoring teams during his tenure.
A Lasting Legacy
James played seven seasons with the Colts, rushing for 9,226 yards and scoring 64 total touchdowns. He remains the franchise’s all-time leading rusher and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Beyond the numbers, James’ impact on the Colts’ culture and identity was immeasurable.
His tenure with the team not only established him as one of the greatest running backs of his era but also set the stage for the Colts’ eventual Super Bowl XLI victory in 2007, a moment James celebrated with his former teammates despite no longer being on the roster.
A Franchise Cornerstone
The selection of Edgerrin James in 1999 was more than a draft pick — it was a statement. It signaled the Colts’ commitment to building a team capable of sustained success, and James became the engine that powered that vision.
Years later, Colts fans still look back on that announcement with pride, knowing it marked the beginning of something special. For Edgerrin James, the journey from the University of Miami to Indianapolis cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever don the horseshoe.