First Person: Falcons DE Ray Edwards
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards boxed and modeled during the NFL lockout to develop skills beyond football. His push for success comes from growing up in a tough environment, where Christmas was meager.
For me, Christmas is definitely a time to give back to those less fortunate. I know what it’s like to come from a single-parent home, so I like to bring holiday cheer to various charities that do good work, like the Boys and Girls Clubs. I like to brighten the faces of kids in foster homes.
My older sister and I grew up with our mom. We lived in public housing in Cincinnati, a bad neighborhood with crime all around me and a lot of drugs.
Christmas was like not even having a Christmas. I learned to not worry about getting what I wanted, because I would get clothes and the things I needed. That made me appreciate anything I can do now for family and friends.
My biggest “toy” is definitely my motorcycle. That’s like my gift to myself. I have a Suzuki Hayabusa and a Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Next summer, I might get a Ducati.
On the road is just relaxing, and I don’t worry about anything — the cellphone or anything. It’s like a mini vacation. I haven’t been riding in Atlanta yet, because I don’t have them down here.
Growing up, my mom, Paulette Edwards, did have a car, but we were mostly on public transportation, and she had to work a lot. She’s a city bus driver now. I won’t see her on Christmas, because we have a game the next day.
When I turned 13, I moved in with my mom’s parents. My grandma, Levonia Beamon, and I are very close. With her, Christmas was in a much more stable environment.
This year on Christmas, I’ll lay on my couch and play with my dog, Diamond. She’s a blue pit bull, and the sweetest. She’ll be four in March. I’m a laid-back guy.
My 2012 modeling calendar will be available soon. It’s a great stocking stuffer. As my “1050” modeling company and True Ink clothing line grow, I hope the profits will help me help others. Modeling is fun and relaxing, not as invigorating as boxing.
I never put all my eggs in one basket. I’ve always had a backup plan — that’s what my teachers always liked about me. I’ve always had a fight in me to want to succeed. That has come from seeing the struggle in the environment I grew up in.
Reported by Michelle Hiskey
