Cedric James (born March 19, 1979) is an American former professional football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots. He played college football at Texas Christian University.

Cedric James
No. 89
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1979-03-19) March 19, 1979 (age 45)
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:199 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:Kennedale (TX)
College:Texas Christian
NFL draft:2001 / round: 4 / pick: 131
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:5
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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James attended Kennedale High School, where he was a two-time All-District 11-3A selection, registering in his senior season 27 receptions for 678 yards (25.11-yards per reception), 11 touchdowns and 10 carries for 155 yards (15.50 yards per attempt).[2] He graduated in 1997.

College career

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James accepted a football scholarship from Texas Christian University, where he played in a run oriented offense built around future College Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. As a true freshman, he appeared in 10 games, making 4 receptions for 51 yards. As a sophomore, he recorded 13 receptions (third on the team) for 167 yards (fourth on the team) and was the only wide receiver on the team to catch a touchdown pass.

As a junior, he tallied 4 receptions (tied for sixth on the team) for 52 yards As a senior, he posted 19 receptions (tied for the team lead) for 310 yards (second on the team) and 3 touchdowns. He finished his career with 41 receptions for 593 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Professional career

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Minnesota Vikings

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James was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (131st overall) of the 2001 NFL draft.[3] On September 6, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a strained hamstring injury. In 2002, he appeared in 5 games playing mainly on special teams, returning 10 kickoffs for 228 yards and making 2 tackles. He was waived August 13, 2003.

Dallas Cowboys

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On September 1, 2003, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to the practice squad. On December 31, he was promoted to the active roster, but was inactive in the wild card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers. He was released on August 31, 2004.[4]

New England Patriots

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On September 22, 2004, he was signed by the New England Patriots to the practice squad.[5]

On February 19, 2005, he was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe.[6] He started 8 games, posting 39 receptions (tied for the team lead) for 515 yards (led the team), with a 17.8-yard average and 5 touchdowns. He missed the final 2 games of the season with an injury, but still received NFL Europe All-League honors.[7] Against the Hamburg Sea Devils, he had 6 receptions for 149 yards and a 73-yard touchdown catch.

In 2005, he was injured most of the preseason, which led to his release and signing to the practice squad. He was released on March 2, 2006.

Personal life

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James' wife, Myriah, once appeared on the hit game show The Price Is Right.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Transactions". NFL.com. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  2. ^ "Cedric James Profile". New England Patriots. Archived from the original on May 29, 2006. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  3. ^ "2001 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  4. ^ "Transactions". New York Times. September 1, 2004. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  5. ^ "Transactions". New York Times. September 23, 2004. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  6. ^ "Six set to play in NFL Europe". Patriots.com. February 19, 2005.
  7. ^ Hart, Andy (May 26, 2005). "WR James shaping up in Europe". New England Patriots.
  8. ^ "Contestant video". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
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