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Unemployed Edgerrin James: 'Not 32 backs out there better than me'

By David Dorsey, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press

IMMOKALEE, Fla. — Edgerrin James, unsigned and hoping to enter his 11th NFL season as a running back, projects a carefree attitude regarding his future.

"There are not 32 backs out there who are better than me," James said with a smile. Most NFL training camps begin at the end of next week. "I want to continue to play. I can play at a high level.

"I'm not saying where I want to go. It will all take care of itself."

Surrounded by about 400 children at the Immokalee Sports Complex, the NFL's 11th all-time leading rusher projected plenty of confidence.

James, released from his contract with the Arizona Cardinals, put on a day-long football clinic Tuesday for his native town's youth.

James did not charge for the camp. He enlisted the help of Immokalee High School and area Pop Warner coaches along with former NFL wide receiver and Fort Myers resident Jammi German and Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis.

"Football season is right around the corner," said James, who will turn 31 on Aug. 1. "The timing of this is best of all. This will lead them right into their seasons."

James, who rushed for 2,895 yards in three seasons for the Cardinals, is not so sure of his playing destination. He would enter this season with 12,121 yards. But he ran for only 514 yards last season in limited playing time, and at one point was benched in favor of Tim Hightower. The 6-foot, 219-pound James needs 123 yards to pass Marcus Allen and break into the top 10 all-time.

But James said he was in no rush to decide his playing future. The death of his longtime girlfriend, Andia Wilson, has factored into his decision to remain a free agent. Wilson died April 14 after a battle with leukemia.

"I had to make sure that part was taken care of first," James said of his family, which includes four children: Edquisha, Eyahna, Edgerrin Jr. and Euro. "Now I'm getting into football more."

James said he put together the camp in a hurry. He did not call Portis until Monday.

"That's one thing about playing at the University of Miami," said Portis, who first met James during his recruiting visit there.

Portis said he wasn't sure where James would land.

"He can go anywhere in the NFL," Portis said. "The media and the outside world, they're always looking for the next best. They get bored with people who are good all the time.

"He's a Hall of Fame back. His numbers speak for themselves."

James, however, wasn't concerned with that Tuesday. He just wanted to make sure his old neighborhood's children were learning and having fun.

"I just love seeing the smiles on the kids' faces," James said. "That's the best part.

"I never had an experience like this when I was a kid. This is something I wish I could have participated in when I was younger."

The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY

Unemployed Edgerrin James: 'Not 32 backs out there better than me' - USATODAY.com

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