Troy Edwards: The Collegiate Career and Beyond

Troy Edwards, born on April 7, 1977, is a former American professional football player who distinguished himself as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. His journey to the NFL began at Louisiana Tech University, where he etched his name in college football history.

Early Life and College Career at Louisiana Tech

Edwards attended Louisiana Tech University from 1995 to 1998, showcasing his talents as a key player for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team. During his time there, he became one of the most prolific receivers in college football history. Tech wideout Troy Edwards ended his collegiate career with impressive receiving numbers - 280 catches for 4,252 yards and 50 touchdowns.

The Record-Breaking Game Against Nebraska

The 1998 season opener against the Nebraska Cornhuskers was a defining moment in Edwards' college career. He recorded 21 catches for 405 yards, setting a single-game record for receiving yards by a college player. “It was the first game of the year my junior year and Troy’s senior year,” Rattay said. “We had a good season the year before and had worked hard, two or three hours a day out there throwing, all summer long. We both wanted to play on that big stage in that kind of game. Nebraska had three or four defensive backs on that team who went on to play in the NFL. “We lost, so I think what all had happened was kind of lost at first. We went into every game, including that one, believing we were going to win. So we were down after it was over. “I talked about it leading into the game - I knew that I couldn’t be stopped,” Edwards said. “I knew that with the quarterback I had, and the offensive coordinator I had, I couldn’t be stopped. “But I still didn’t know until after the game the numbers were that big. I didn’t have a clue. But all the other (Tech) receivers played a big part in that, because they showed they had to be covered, too. And the running backs, offensive line and Tim. That was a team effort - I couldn’t have done it without them. Oct. There’s no question Edwards turned in a stellar collegiate career, but it’s that one game Tech Nation especially remembers.

Collegiate Achievements and Recognition

Edwards earned All-American honors and won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the nation's top receiver. His twenty-seven touchdown catches during his 1998 senior year remain the NCAA Division I-A season record. He held the NCAA career record for touchdown receptions with fifty until it was broken by Jarett Dillard of the Rice Owls.

NFL Career

Draft and Early Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Edwards in the first round (13th pick overall) in the 1999 NFL draft after the team lost out on David Boston to the Arizona Cardinals. This selection marked the team's first draft pick from Louisiana Tech since Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw in the 1970 NFL draft.

Read also: Troy University Admission GPA

Despite high expectations, Edwards faced challenges in establishing himself within the Steelers' offense. He was quickly surpassed on the depth chart by other receivers, including Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward. This, combined with head coach Bill Cowher's focus on running the football, inconsistency at the quarterback position, and a decline in the Steelers' on-field success, led to Edwards expressing his dissatisfaction in a 2001 radio interview.

Subsequent Seasons with Other Teams

In 2002, Edwards was traded to the St. Louis Rams, where he played for a single season. He then played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003 and 2004, followed by a stint with the Detroit Lions in 2005.

NFL Statistics

Edwards finished his NFL career with 203 catches for 2,404 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven seasons playing for the Steelers (1999-2001), St.

Legacy and Post-NFL Life

Impact and Recognition

“There’s no question he’s of the best receivers to come out of Louisiana Tech and to ever play college football in general. We were fortunate to get him. Everybody wanted him, not only Louisiana schools but on a national level. But for a short while, Edwards admits to some doubts. At least by his standards. Fortunately that change came, but not in the way Edwards first wanted. “People don’t realize how much time we spent together,” Edwards said. “That’s why he’s still one of my best friends in life. I was talking about quitting football totally, or at least moving back to running back, and Tim is the one who told me I was going to be a receiver regardless. I wanted the ball and a running back gets more touches. Tim helped me through that. He always wanted to be there in the Tech Hall of Fame, but you never really think that it’s going to happen.

Current Life

These days Edwards spends his time in the Dallas area, working what he calls “a basic school district job” and helping his sons Troy Jr. “They already know the game a lot more than I did at their age because I’ve been able to teach them,” Edwards said. “One is a (high school) freshman and the other is in junior high. I’m so proud of them and so proud they’re going to see me get this honor at Tech. “Pat Tilley and I spent several nights over in Shreveport recruiting him,” Peace said. “As a high school player there were so many positions where he could help you - cornerback, running back, wide receiver. He had that ability to be a special player in whatever he did, special teams and returns included. He could do it all.

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