Immokalee Native Edgerrin James Will Be Inducted Into The NFL Hall of Fame

Immokalee native and legendary Colts running back Edgerrin James will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.

He played college football at the University of Miami and has always been unapologetic of his love for the Colts organization.

In fact, Colts owner Jim Irsay will present him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, August 7.

James has been named a finalist for the Hall of Fame on four occasions and has been on the ballot six times, but now he will finally be recognized for his great accomplishments.

It's an honor only 354 professional football players have received out of more than 29,000 men who have played in the 100-year history of the NFL.

“Just getting into the hall … it’s one of those things that you always set out to do,” James said during a Pro Football Hall of Fame media session. “You hope you can do it. It’s not easy, but to be able to actually accomplish it means a lot.”

James, who also played for the Cardinals and Seahawks, was a Parade All-American at Immokalee High, where many consider him a legend for never forgetting about his community. He even built a youth recreation center in Immokalee.

His plaque hangs in the hallway above the entrance to the Immokalee High gym, according to Yahoo Entertainment.

In an interview with IndyStar, James said just because “football was life” in Immokalee, doesn’t mean life was easy.

He has a book coming out in October where he shares some details about his life growing up in the small town. James titled it: “From Gold Teeth to Gold Jacket: My Life In Football and Business.”

“It’s a mentality, man. A south Florida thing. It’s about knowing I’m gonna shine regardless,” James told IndyStar. “You gotta have that mindset. When I know me, I’m comfortable with me. And you’re not gonna be able to disregard me. You’re gonna learn quick, ‘This person has value.’”

See the full list of inductees to Pro Football Hall of Fame here.