Dave Edwards (linebacker)

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

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
Interceptions:13
Interception yards:66
Fumble recoveries:17
Games started:163
Games played:181
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Edwards attended Abbeville High School, where he played football and basketball. He attended Auburn University after high school. He was a two-way player who was used as an offensive end and defensive end. As a senior, he was named to the All-SEC team.[1]

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.[2]

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 1963. He started out as an offensive end on the taxi squad and was later converted to outside linebacker, after he gained 25 lbs (from 205 to 230). He started in 1963, when Chuck Howley was moved from strongside linebacker to weakside linebacker. Edwards, Howley, and Lee Roy Jordan at linebacker helped form the "Doomsday Defense".

Referred to as "Fuzzy" by his teammates, Oakland Raiders linebackers coach John Madden instructed his linebackers to study Edwards' technique in stopping the run while jamming the tight end.[3]

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".[4]

Edwards missed only one game in his 12 NFL seasons, while starting 135 games. He helped the Cowboys win three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl. He played in Super Bowls V, VI and X.

Personal life

Edwards died in his sleep on December 6, 2016, the day he was scheduled to undergo tests at a Waco hospital.[5] 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.[6]

References
  1. "All-Southeast 1961". Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  2. "Six added to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame". Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  3. "Dallas Cowboy Great Dave Edwards Shares His Memories". Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  4. "Great, But Unnoticed ... One Players Story". Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  5. "Abbeville native and former NFL great Dave Edwards dies". Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  6. Eiserer, Tanya (March 29, 2017). "Burglars steal 'jewelry box' containing ashes of former Dallas Cowboy's wife". WFAA. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
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