Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards is a former professional football player, coaching veteran, ESPN analyst, and motivational speaker. Edwards is known for his enthusiasm, on-field intensity, and inspiring speeches. He is a true embodiment of the term ‘hard work pays off,’ evident by the fantastic achievements throughout his career.

Born and raised in Seaside, California, Edwards grew up in a family of athletes. He played football, baseball, and basketball at Monterrey High School before becoming a student-athlete at San Diego State University. After college, Herm signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting his NFL career.

Edwards played nine seasons in the NFL, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his whole career, he had just one objective, nothing less than to compete and give his best every single day. Herm was famous for his work ethic and dedication to the game, and he attributes his success to this discipline.

Edwards is well remembered for his game-winning touchdown during a 1978 Eagles vs. Giants game. The Giants missed a 41-yard field goal, giving the ball back to Philadelphia, with only 31 seconds left on the clock. In a classic moment, Edwards scooped up the ball on the return and charged down the field for a 26-yard touchdown, handing the Eagles a 19-17 victory.

After his playing career, Herm shifted focus to become one of football’s most committed and high-energy coaches. Herm began his transition as a coach with the Kansas City Chiefs as a defensive positional coach. He then moved up to a head coaching role with the New York Jets and later Arizona State University.

Herm is best known as a motivational speaker and his ability to compel an audience, including aspiring athletes, corporate personnel, and students. Herm’s speeches and messages about leadership, teamwork, and perseverance continue to resonate with people worldwide. They blend humor, hard-won wisdom, and touching personal stories to give audiences actionable tools to draw from their experiences.

In late 2017, Herm Edwards made a comeback to coaching when he was hired by Arizona State University. His hire surprised many pundits, but Edwards was offered the job due to his motivational speaking ability and leadership traits. Clarence Jones, ASU’s Vice President, commented on Edwards’ hire, “He is all about leadership, and there’s no better subject upon which to speak than leadership, how to inspire a team.”

Herm Edwards’s return to coaching has been fruitful so far, with the Sun Devils showing better performances in the Pac-12 conference under his leadership. ASU has gone 15-11 in his tenure to date, a significant improvement compared to the previous seasons.

And it doesn’t end there for Herm. He balances his coaching career with being an ESPN analyst and a motivational speaker. Herm was awarded the ASCAP Foundation’s Harold Adamson Award for his positive contributions to coaching and inspirational messages. In May 2020, he received Arizona State’s Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Award in recognition of his commitment and positive impact as a leader.

In conclusion, Herm Edwards is a man of many talents. He is an ex-cheerleader turned professional football player, a great coach, and an even better motivational speaker. He gives his all in everything that he does, and his positive messages have motivated several athletes, students, and professionals to aspire to be the best version of themselves. Herm is a man who inspires every day, and his incredible story is a testament to hard work and perseverance.