6 best New England Patriots that only spent one year in town
By Mike Luciano
No. 4: RB Robert Edwards
Edwards could’ve been one of the best running backs of the late ’90s and early 2000s, as the former first-round pick out of Georgia got his career off to a flying start. Edwards totaled just under 1,500 yards from scrimmage as a rookie and scored 12 touchdowns, establishing himself as a versatile, hard-nosed runner.
Pete Carroll appeared to have found a back who can lead his smashmouth offense for years to come. However, during a flag football game at the Pro Bowl, Edwards suffered an injury that would derail his football career.
An injury robbed Robert Edwards of a great Patriots career
Edwards tore all four ligaments in his knee, all the while suffering major nerve damage and slicing an artery in his leg. He was originally told he was not going to be able to walk again and amputation was discussed. While he made a brief comeback in 2002 with Miami, he was a shell of his old self. He had just 20 pro carries after his injury, and none with New England.
Edwards was able to become a CFL All-Star with the Toronto Argonauts, but the memories from that one year in 1998 are likely more precious to him. Who knows what he could’ve been without the injury? All signs pointed to the possibility of him challenging Sam Cunningham’s franchise record for rushing yards.