Registration is now open for the fourth annual Edgerrin James Speed and Agility Youth Football Camp on Monday, July 23 at the Immokalee Sports Complex.

The free camp is in conjunction with Collier County Parks and Recreation, as well as the Edgerrin James Foundation. Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The camp is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and for ages 6-18. Instructors include some of the best players from college and the NFL, as well as members of NFL coaching staffs.

James' cousin Javarris has been at the camp, but may have to miss it this year after signing as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week. The younger James, also a running back, played at Immokalee, the University of Miami, and then with the Indianapolis Colts in 2010 before being released prior to last season.

Among those who have helped out over the past three years are sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, and former NFL players Robert Bailey, Jammi German and Clinton Portis.

The camp's structure is designed to actively engage every participant. Each camper will be placed in groups based on similar age, size, and/or experience level. The camp emphasizes the basic fundamentals and skill development essential to improving football performance. Campers will receive instruction on technique enhancements, teamwork, sportsmanship, and educational life skills.

Visit www.edgerrinjamesfoundation.org. Click on programs, then football camp to print off a registration form. Forms can be submitted to the Immokalee Sports Complex in advance or the day of the camp (forms must have original signature).

The Immokalee Sports Complex is located at 505 Escambia St.


(naplesnews.com)

Collier County issued as follows press release:

District 5 Commissioner Jim Coletta ‘re going to present a proclamation to previous NFL great Edgerrin James long before the opening of James‘ 3rd yearly young people soccer go camping in Immokalee. The proclamation rite is timetabled for Monday, July 25,. at the Immokalee Sports Complicated - 505 Escambia Street Collier County Parks and Hobby is hosting the rd yearly Edgerrin James Speed and Agility Soccer Go camping on Monday The free go camping provides regional those under the opportunity to study soccer ability from NFL professionals.

This proclamation knows Edgerrin Jamess generosity and commitment to his homeland of Immokalee mentioned Commissioner Coletta The young people soccer go camping persists to grow in fame and I think through this past go camping to be an additional thrilling day for the teens of Immokalee and the encompassing zones Edgerrins go camping engages each participant from a beginer about the more seasoned athlete providing them with an opportunity to realize their certainly likely in a secure and gladness ecosystem Edgerrin James and the go camping teachers probably will be recommended for their commitment to positively influence teens.

Edgerrin James was born and raised in Immokalee and recruited from Immokalee High School to play for the College of Miami In Edgerrin was drafted th all in all by the Indianapolis Colts and was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the days He holds the Colts group record generally in most job over all yards hurrying Edgerrin also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.

On the part of the Eastern Collier Chamber of Trade ECOC and myself i personally would love to thank our Commissioners for acknowledging one in every of our regional heroes who has go back to support give our young people a far greater opportunity to be victorious mentioned ECOC President Fred Thomas Jr.

The Edgerrin James Speed and Agility Soccer Go camping is for schoolaged those under age six and up consisting of high school learners Last days participants joined in the go camping Walkin motor homes are greet.

Each camper would be placed in teams based on similar age size andor experience grade The go camping emphasizes the elemental basics and maneuver development necessary to getting better soccer performance Motor homes are going to gain valuable instruction on maneuver
enhancements teamwork sportsmanship and academic life ability
Edgerrin James will supply nutriment and drinks for the motor homes across the day The go camping would be retained Monday Those under must wear comfy athletic apparels and shoes.

Tracking the soccer go camping Moms and dads would be invited to engage in just as well.

IMMOKALEE — Even though the Immokalee playoff run came to an end on Friday night, the school's most prominent alumnus said the team's players have no reason to hang their heads after a 42-21 loss to Palmetto.

"This team is something special," former Immokalee, University of Miami and NFL star Edgerrin James said. "Even two years ago I was hearing about how good this team was going to have a good two- or three-year run so imagine how they're going to be next year."

James, who graduated from Immokalee in 1996 before going on to star at the University of Miami and in the National Football League with the Indianapolis Colts, was taking in his fifth Indians game of the year. He said he enjoyed watching this year's team, especially because of how long they've been playing together.

"The thing I like about them is that they've been playing with each other for years," James said. "That's the thing that takes them to another level. They've been together for a while so they're like a family."

James, who officially retired from the NFL earlier this year, said he's been enjoying his time away from football. He said he's spending most of his time with his family and working with his charitable foundation.

"I love it," James said. "We just took 100 kids to the Miami-Boston College game last week. It's a trip that we do every year. It's a great chance for the kids to get to a game and have a good time."

Despite his connection to many of the current Indians players (James said he's related to "everybody" in Immokalee), he said he plans to just keep enjoying the team from afar as a fan, and has no plans of becoming a coach.

"I've been playing football since I was eight years old," James said. "I still coach my son's team in Naples, but I just want to take a break and enjoy the game as a fan."

As far as the Indians' future, James said another offseason of work will only make his hometown team that much better.

"On every level you look at the teams that play together for a long time have success," James said. "When you have a team that's put together at the last minute it takes a while for them to jell. These guys are only going to get better."


(naplesnews.com)

There was no press conference or no breaking news updates from national media outlets when Immokalee native Edgerrin James announced his retirement from the National Football League.

Just as he conducted himself on and off the field for the better part of his football career, James’ retirement was quiet but effective.

“I’m done playing football,” James told a small group of reporters at his annual youth football camp in Immokalee on July 25.

Unlike fellow Southwest Florida native Deion Sanders, who is officially being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, James, who turned 33 on Aug. 1, plans to spend his post-football career in relative anonymity. The question now is whether or not Hall of Fame voters will remember Edgerrin in 2015 when he’s eligible to earn a spot in Canton.

Since James was not with a team in 2010 -- he last played with Seattle, which released James in the middle of the 2009 season -- James has to wait four years, instead of the usual five.

“I don’t know if he’s a Hall of Fame player, but he deserves to be in the room when we debate the final 15 guys each year,” said Mike Chappell, a Hall of Fame voter and the longtime Indianapolis Colts beat writer for the Indianapolis Star. “I think he had that kind of career and he deserves at the very least to be considered.”

Just based on statistics alone, James’ candidacy is hard to argue. The No. 4 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami finished his career with 12,246 rushing yards, which ranks 11th in NFL history. James accomplished most of that with the Indianapolis Colts from 1999-2005. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2006-08, becoming the first Collier County high school player to participate in a Super Bowl when Arizona lost to Pittsburgh, 27-23, in Tampa in February 2009.

James left Indianapolis as its all-time leading rusher with 9,226 yards. James was given a Super Bowl ring from the Colts after he left the team in 2006, when they won Super Bowl XLI.

James also was the AP and Pro Football Writers Association Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1999, and a four-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.

Besides New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who currently ranks sixth all-time in rushing, the only active running backs within 2,000 yards of James on the all-time list are Fred Taylor and Tiki Barber. Taylor is on the verge of retirement, and Barber has come out of retirement after four years away from the game, but has yet to sign with a team.

Only two of the nine Hall of Fame eligible players above James on the all-time rushing list, Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin, have not yet been inducted. However, both players were just in their first year of Hall of Fame eligibility.

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(naplesnews.com)

IMMOKALEE — Edgerrin James had never announced his retirement from 11 seasons in the NFL — until this morning.

James, who turns 33 on Aug. 1, admitted his retirement at the start of his third annual Edgerrin James Foundation football camp at the Immokalee Sports Complex, just across the street from where he graduated at Immokalee High School in 1996.

“I’ve been retired,” said James, a running back who began his career in 1999 as the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. “I’m not playing anymore.”

At last year’s football camp, James said he would consider playing for the right team. He revealed today he was joking. He said he never wanted to make a big deal out of retiring.

“That’s the way I wanted it,” James said. “I wanted to get in, get out, no big thing. I’m on to something else now. Now, I’m a fan.

“I could play again as a free agent, but that’s not something I would do. I got in, got out. That was the plan. I look at it as a well executed plan. Now I can do stuff like this. This is what I want to do. I didn’t want to keep playing until I was too old and I couldn’t move around. The last year I played, I was hurt, and I never had a chance to get healthy.

“Could I play? Yes, I could play. But do I want to play? No. I’m past that. Let’s open up the door for somebody else.”

Earlier this morning, Collier County commissioner Jim Coletta gave James a proclamation declaring today as Edgerrin James Day.

“This proclamation recognizes Edgerrin James’ generosity and commitment to his hometown of Immokalee,” Coletta said. “Edgerrin’s camp engages each participant, from the beginner to the more seasoned athlete, giving them a chance to realize their potential in a safe and fun environment.”

James said he appreciated the recognition.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It means you’re doing things right. The county commissioner doesn’t show up when you’re not doing things right. That’s one thing I’ve always taken pride in, is doing things the right way. He paid me respects. For me, that’s big.”

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(news-press.com)

IMMOKALEE — In its third year, the now annual Edgerrin and Javarris James Youth Football Camp has grown every summer since its inception in 2009.

This year's edition, Monday at the Immokalee Sports Complex, was the biggest yet, and the namesake cousins were on hand again to give advice from their years of experience as NFL running backs. But no matter how big the camp gets -- and there were more than 1,000 kids this time around -– the Jameses want to make sure the event stays true to its mission.

“I wanted to make it a fun day,” said Edgerrin James, 11-year NFL veteran who last played in 2009. "It's structured to where we do some work, then have fun, then (get in) the pool. It's kind of a nice family atmosphere. For people that aren't from here, it's to make them feel welcomed. They can come to Immokalee and take part in everything just like they grew up here.”

“This is an opportunity for the kids in Immokalee to see what it takes to make it to the next level,” Javarris James said. “We're out there working with them, too. This is good for the town of Immokalee.”

A 1996 graduate of Immokalee High School, Edgerrin James started the camp two summers ago as a way to teach and mentor kids from his hometown. Since then, the youth camp has blossomed into a statewide event with buses bringing players in from as far as Orlando on Monday.
Players were put through drills, taught techniques, and got to compete in a flag football tournament. More than that, seeing the James cousins, who came from the same humble roots as the campers, served as inspiration for the participants.

The camp started with a morning ceremony in which Collier County commissioner Jim Coletta named the day in honor of Edgerrin James and the work he's done giving back to the area's youth.

“Whereas children are the future of Florida, and it is important to take action to ensure they are provided a positive start in life,” Coletta read from a written proclamation, “... and whereas NFL star Edgerrin James will share his love for football and teach fundamentals and communicate the importance of hard work and respect … we are pleased to welcome the inspiration for our youth for the third year in a row.”

Edgerrin James is 11th on the NFL's all-time rushing list, but his cousin Javarris might have drawn more attention Monday from the young campers. Last summer Javarris James was an undrafted free agent who was preparing for Indianapolis Colts training camp.

After starting the season on the New England Patriots' practice squad, James finished the year with the Colts – Edgerrin's former team – and scored six touchdowns in the final seven games.

When he arrived on the field Monday, the younger James was mobbed by younger players wanting to shake his hand and ask for an autograph.
“It's different this year from what it was last year for me personally,” Javarris James said. “Now I can actually say I've played in the NFL. All these guys have seen me on television, where last year I was just getting into it.”

NFL free agent running back Clinton Portis, a product of the University of Miami like the James cousins, was on hand at Immokalee on Monday. Fort Myers High grad and former NFL receiver Jammi German also worked the camp.

The players were split almost equally among high school, middle school and younger age groups. While the little ones learned fundamentals and techniques, the older players participated in a mini combine that tested their football skills, including the 40-yard dash.

The day ended with a cookout for the campers and their parents and a pool party at the Immokalee Sports Complex aquatics center.

The most popular part of the day, though, was the 7-on-7 games that came in the afternoon. Some players traveled to Immokalee specifically to compete against teams they wouldn't otherwise see.

“The kids love it,” Edgerrin James said. “They love that there are kids from other places. That's what they like the most because they get a chance to come out and compete, measure themselves up against each other. See where they stand. They're always looking forward to the flag football game at the end.”

Jameel Jackson, 17, came to the camp with four of his Fort Pierce Central teammates. He said he enjoyed learning from the pros, but the biggest reason his team was there was to test itself against other squads.

“We try to go to a lot of different camps,” Jackson said. “We came out here for the 7-on-7. It's what we're best at.”

Many of the high school players shared the same sentiment. Jimmy Bayes, a sophomore receiver who was one of more than two dozen Immokalee players at Monday's camp, said the Indians always look forward to the afternoon games.

“It's competition,” said Jimmy Bayes, 16, a sophomore wide receiver at Immokalee. “That's why you play football. It drives everybody.”

While Edgerrin and Javarris James emphasized their camp was all about fun, there were lessons the hosts hoped to impart on the youngsters.
By coming home to a small, often underprivileged Immokalee, the Jameses want to show the players that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

“Immokalee – this is the root of everything.” Edgerrin James said. “This is where I started out, where I played. If somebody like myself doesn't come back here, who will come here? It's just natural for me to come back here and give these guys the same opportunity I had or an even better opportunity than I had.

“For me, it's natural to come out here and be a part of something like this. I love dealing with the kids, I love having fun. This is easy. It's a matter of having a free schedule. This is where I want to be. I like dealing with these kids.”

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(naplesnews.com)

NAPLES — Former Immokalee High School football and NFL star Edgerrin James will host his annual football skills camp Monday at the Immokalee Sports Complex. The camp is free for children ages 6-18 and is co-hosted by James’ cousin and current Indianapolis Colts running back Javarris James.

“This is something that the community looks forward to every year,” Immokalee High head football coach Jerrod Ackley said. “I’m excited to be able to take part in it, and I know a lot of our kids are as well.”

This year’s camp will mark the third year that Edgerrin James, who last played in the NFL with Seattle in 2009, has hosted the camp free of charge. Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. and the camp runs until 3:30 p.m.

“Some of the kids on our team have been going to this camp since they were in middle school,” Ackley said. “They get a chance to see Edgerrin and see that it’s possible to make it and be successful if you’re from Immokalee.”

Rodelin Anthony, a former high school teammate of Javarris James who attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas to play football, will be working at the event for the first time. He said he’s excited to get a chance to be part of an event he’s heard so much about.

“This isn’t just about the kids, it’s about the whole city of Immokalee coming together,” Anthony said. “It’s a huge event that everyone looks forward to and it’s a great thing.”

After the camp ends, James and the city of Immokalee host a pool party and barbeque from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sports Complex. Last year, 1,100 children participated in the camp.

According to James’ foundation website, the camp will include other NFL players and members of NFL coaching staffs. On Sunday, Javarris James said on his Twitter feed that Sam Shields, a former University of Miami teammate who is a cornerback for the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and Jeremy Ware, a defensive back for the Oakland Raiders, would be at the camp.

Campers are broken down and placed into groups based on age, size and skill level. The camp emphasizes basic fundamentals and skill development. In addition to football fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship and educational life skills are also emphasized.

Prior to the start of the camp, James will be honored by Collier County Commissioners who will proclaim Monday “Edgerrin James Day” in the county.

District 5 Commissioner Jim Coletta also will present a proclamation to James. The ceremony is scheduled for 8:15 a.m.

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(naplesnews.com)

Collier County commissioners will proclaim Monday as Edgerrin James Day and the former Immokalee High star running back's free youth football camp in Immokalee.

District 5 Commissioner Jim Coletta will present a proclamation to James, who played for the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in his career. James co-hosts the camp with his cousin, Javarris, who is a running back for the Colts. Both Jameses played for the University of Miami.

The ceremony is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. at the Immokalee Sports Complex, 505 Escambia St.

Collier County Parks and Recreation is conducting the third annual camp from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

The free camp offers kids ages 6 through high school the chance to learn football skills from NFL pros. Last year 1,100 participants attended the camp.

“This proclamation recognizes Edgerrin James’s generosity and commitment to his hometown of Immokalee,” Commissioner Coletta said. “The youth football camp continues to grow in popularity, and I anticipate this year’s camp to be another exciting day for the young people of Immokalee and the surrounding areas.

"Edgerrin’s camp engages each participant, from the beginner to the more seasoned athlete, giving them a chance to realize their potential in a safe and fun environment. Edgerrin James and the camp instructors should be commended for their commitment to positively influence young people.”

Each camper will be placed in groups based on similar age, size, and/or experience level. The camp emphasizes the basic fundamentals and skill development essential to improving football performance. Campers will receive valuable instruction on technique enhancements, teamwork, sportsmanship, and educational life skills.

Food and drinks for the campers will be provided throughout the day. Campers must wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes.
Following the football camp, James and the Immokalee Sports Complex will host a pool party for the kids from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parents will be invited to attend as well.

In 1999, James was drafted fourth overall by the Colts, and was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He holds the Colts’ team record for most career total yards rushing.

“On behalf of the Eastern Collier Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) and myself personally, I would like to thank our commissioners for recognizing one of our local heroes who has come back to help give our youth a better chance to be successful,” ECOC President Fred Thomas Jr. said.
Sign up for this camp by calling the Immokalee Sports Complex at (239) 657-1951 or visit www.edgerrinjamesfoundation.org

For more information, contact Collier County Parks and Recreation at (239) 252-4000 or visit www.collierparks.com.

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(naplesdailynews.com)

Check out photos of Edgerrin James and Reggie Wayne and James’ Summer Youth Camp. proCane Tamara James also joined James and Wayne at the camp.





Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s or Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(twitter.com)

Registration is now open for the third annual Edgerrin and Javarris James Youth Football Camp on Monday, July 25 at the Immokalee Sports Complex.

The inaugural camp in 2009 drew 400 youngsters. There were 500 last year. Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The free camp is in conjunction with Collier County Parks and Recreation, as well as the Edgerrin James Foundation. The camp is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and for ages 6-18. Instructors include some of the best players from college and the NFL, as well as members of NFL coaching staffs.

Among those who have helped out over the past two years are sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, former NFL players Robert Bailey, Jammi German and current running back Clinton Portis.

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(immokaleetoday.com)

Registration is now open for the third annual Edgerrin and Javarris James Youth Football Camp on Monday, July 25 at the Immokalee Sports Complex.

The inaugural camp in 2009 drew 400 youngsters. There were 500 last year. Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The free camp is in conjunction with Collier County Parks and Recreation, as well as the Edgerrin James Foundation. The camp is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and for ages 6-18. Instructors include some of the best players from college and the NFL, as well as members of NFL coaching staffs.

Among those who have helped out over the past two years are sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, former NFL players Robert Bailey, Jammi German and current running back Clinton Portis.

The camp's structure is designed to actively engage every participant. Each camper will be placed in groups based on similar age, size, and/or experience level. The camp emphasizes the basic fundamentals and skill development essential to improving football performance. Campers will receive instruction on technique enhancements, teamwork, sportsmanship, and educational life skills.

Visit www.edgerrinjamesfoundation.org. Click on programs, then football camp to print off a registration form. Forms can be submitted to the Immokalee Sports Complex in advance or the day of the camp (forms must have original signature).

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(naplesnews.com)

Comments

PAHOKEE, Fla. — Edgerrin James couldn’t have been happier to see his cousin Javarris carrying the ball last season for his former NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts. It was as if the torch had officially been passed.

James was inside the Pahokee High gymnasium watching a celebrity charity basketball game as part of Anquan Boldin’s annual Q Fest. But his mind was still on football, and on the future of another James, as Javarris became a touchdown specialist near the goal line for the Colts in 2010 scoring six times in 10 games.

“(Javarris) did really well, especially after going through getting released and getting back up,” Edgerrin said. “He just stuck to it and it was beautiful to see him in a Colts uniform. That’s one place you’d want to be because you know you’re going to be taken care of. That’s one of the best organizations in the NFL so to see him in that uniform was better than perfect.”

His seven seasons in Indianapolis were highly productive for Edgerrin, and he is still the franchise leader in rushing yards with 9,226. After spending 1999-2005 with the Colts, Edgerrin left via free agency and played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2006-08 before ending his career in Seattle with the Seahawks in 2009.

Now that he has been retired for almost two years, Edgerrin has put in more time to giving back to his hometown of Immokalee. He plans to put on another summer football camp on July 25 where he draws a similar amount of current and former NFL players as Boldin did to Pahokee. But after watching Javarris follow his footsteps at the University of Miami and then go undrafted last year before rushing for 112 yards on 46 carries, he plans to continue his role as mentor.

“Javarris has everything that it takes so he’s going to be all right,” Edgerrin said. “He’s in the right organization and that’s the best thing. A lot of it has to do with where you end up.”

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.



(naplesnews.com)

Edgerrin James, Indianapolis - Like Dickerson, James would come to the NFL and find himself in an ideal situation. The fourth player selected in 1999, James could both run and catch. In Indianapolis, he ran a league-high 369 times for 1,553 yards and 13 scores. He also caught 62 balls for 586 yards and four more touchdowns and finished the year No.1 overall in fantasy points.

Click here to order Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.



(sportsnetwork.com)

Edgerrin James, Watermelon Loader
Some summer jobs have had unexpected benefits that lead on to successful careers. For Edgerrin James, NFL running back, the physically demanding work of loading watermelons one summer was to help him save money for a car. However, all that muscle-building had extended benefits; maybe handling the watermelons helped James easily keep a grip on the football, as well. And even the intensity of pre-season training camp probably looks easier when James thinks back to the 16-hour days of watermelon loading.

Read about more celebrity summer jobs here

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(sfgate.com)