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
