Ray Edwards is an explosive playmaker as a starting defensive end with the Minnesota Vikings. Although he smashes his opponents on the field, off the field Edwards is a strong advocate for education, youth empowerment and faith based initiatives. He made an immediate impact on his team and city by donating his time and talent in the community and being the go-to person whenever the Mayor’s office called upon him to go to schools to speak to students. He is looking to expand off the field by delving into acting and modeling in the off season.

Community: Ray Edwards works closely with Mayor R.T. Rybak’s office visiting local students at Summit Academy and North Minneapolis High School. Edwards works with students on class work, social interaction, and speaking out against youth violence. He volunteers with Ultimate Strength Ministry an outreach organization that speaks to youth about positive choices and that education is power. He graduated Salutatorian from Woodward High in Cincinnati, Ohio. Through the Vikings’, Edwards participated in Hometown Huddle, Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family and as a rookie, joined with Lens Crafters and teammate Chris Kluwe to provide eye tests and glasses through the Give The Gift of Sight Program. 

NFL History: Edwards entered the 2008 NFL season as the Vikings starter at LDE, was regular starter at RDE in 2007 and tied for team lead in sacks. Showed playmaking abilities in 2007 by tying for team leading with 4 forced fumbles and scored 1st career TD on a 9-yard fumble recovery at Detroit (9/16/07). His score was 1 of 8 defensive TDs for the Vikings in 2007 and 1 of 2 by fumble recovery, joining CB Cedric Griffin. Edwards has posted 3.5 of his career sacks and a TD against the Detroit Lions in 4 career meetings. Made his presence felt as a rookie in 2006 with his pass rushing abilities and started 2 of the final 4 game. He played in more games (15) than any other rookie on the roster in 2006 and was part of 6-member 2006 Vikings draft class that has all started games.  Edwards was selected in the 4th round with the 127th pick. 

College Information: Finished his career tied for 7th on Purdue’s career sacks list with 16.0 and 15th with 24.5 tackles for loss. Named to Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year watch lists as a junior in 2005. Edwards ranked 2nd on the team as a junior with 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks and received Honorable mention All-Big Ten choice by coaches and the media in 2004. He was Semifinalist for Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award and tied for team lead and tied for 2nd in the Big Ten with 8.0 sacks. He was A Big Ten All-Freshmen team choice by The Sporting News.

OFF THE FIELD

BET Rip the Runway Celebrity Model (March 2009) Cossette Productions --- Represented by Elite Model Agency - Atlanta

Natural Radiance Commercial (February 2009) --- Comcast Sportsnite-Atlanta, in studio guest (January 2009)