Robert Edwards was a corner back and running back at the University of Georgia. As a running back, he set a University of Georgia record for scoring five touchdowns in one game against University of South Carolina. Although Edwards was never able to finish a full season due to injuries, he was chosen by the New England Patriots in 1998. He was picked in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft (18th overall).
Patriots rookie Edwards rushed for 1,115 yards and 12 touchdowns. An off season injury forced Edwards to miss multiple seasons until he returned in 2002 with the Miami Dolphins. In his first game back against the Detroit Lions, Edwards caught a touchdown pass and ran for another score. Edwards was awarded the Pro Football Writers Association’s Halas Award for his comeback from serious injury.
In 2005, Edwards joined the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL and led the team in rushing with over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. He was named a CFL Eastern Division All-Star back to back in 2005 and 2006.