TAMPA, Fla. — In almost a decade as an NFL running back, Edgerrin James had experienced nearly everything.
Rushing titles. Pro Bowls.
Devastating knee injuries.
Then came 2008, when something unexpected happened — James was benched in place of rookie Tim Hightower.
“I’ve been playing this game since I was 8 years old, and I never had to wait on the sidelines, besides probably my first year at the University of Miami,” James said.
No wonder James was a grouch throughout the second half of the season, when he had only 11 carries for 34 yards in an eight-game stretch lasting through November and most of December. He complained about his lack of playing time and vowed not to return to Arizona next year.
“Not once did I believe I should be on the bench, and I never hid the fact that I didn’t want to be on the bench,” James said. “On one hand, it’s frustrating, but at the same time, it’s life. In life, you’re not going to get everything you want.”
So of the litany of feel-good stories here in Tampa, that James has been resurrected as the Cardinals starter is among the most compelling.
This was James’ least-productive year of his career, with only 514 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season.
He rushed for 100 yards, though, in the season finale, and has 52 carries and 203 yards in the Cardinals’ three playoff wins. The Cardinals are averaging 111 rushing yards per game in the postseason, about 37 more yards than in the regular season, when the team was last in the NFL.
“That’s what I feel like I came here for, to complement him and push him, to make him better and the team better,” Hightower said. “That’s what I feel like we’re doing right now, going back and forth.”
If the Cardinals are able to win Sunday, James would become the owner of a second Super Bowl ring. The Colts gave him one after the 2006 season as a thank you for what he meant to the team. He played for Indianapolis from 1999-2005.
A ring he earned on the field, though, would be even sweeter.
“For 10 years I’ve been playing, and to finally get here, that’s big,” James said. “You want a taste of everything the NFL has to offer, and this is the one goal of any player.”
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
