David Edwards Bio
David Edwards is an American professional football guard who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won Super Bowl LVI, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Edwards was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of Wisconsin. He has established himself as a reliable NFL starter with experience at both guard and tackle positions.
Early Life and Background
David Edwards was born on March 20, 1997, in Downers Grove, Illinois. He attended Downers Grove North High School, where he played quarterback for the Trojans. During his high school years, Edwards weighed approximately 215 pounds and did not participate in a weightlifting program. He also did not eat breakfast regularly during this time. Despite his relatively slim build for a potential offensive lineman, Edwards was a standout basketball player for the Trojans, starting at center for three years on the varsity level.
Edwards gained attention from numerous collegiate scouts during high school, with particular interest coming from the University of Illinois and various Ivy League schools. His dual-sport athleticism demonstrated the coordination and physical tools that would later serve him well at the college level. His combination of height, basketball experience, and untapped potential made him an intriguing prospect for programs seeking raw but talented offensive line prospects.
Path to American Football
Edwards committed to play college football at the University of Wisconsin in June 2014. Initially recruited as a tight end, he red-shirted during the 2015 season to undergo a significant physical transformation. Upon arriving at Wisconsin, Edwards dedicated himself to proper nutrition and training, starting with eating breakfast daily. He gained 20 pounds in his first six months on campus and continued developing his frame throughout his college career.
By August 2016, Edwards had grown to 275 pounds and eventually packed on 60 pounds between his high school days and his first collegiate game. He made his first career start in October 2016, playing right tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers. His rapid physical development and position switch to the offensive line proved successful, as he immediately demonstrated the footwork and body control from his basketball background that translated well to blocking at the collegiate level.
David Edwards Career
Los Angeles Rams (2019-2022)
Edwards was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round with the 169th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He joined a Rams organization that was building toward sustained competitiveness under head coach Sean McVay. As a rookie, Edwards worked to adapt his game from the college level to the faster, more complex NFL schemes, transitioning from right tackle to potentially playing guard at the professional level.
Edwards steadily progressed through his first few seasons with the Rams, eventually earning the starting left guard position. His development represented the type of late-round value that successful franchises extract from the draft. He became a reliable presence on the offensive line, demonstrating the technical skills and football intelligence that Wisconsin’s program had cultivated during his collegiate career.
Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl Run (2021-2022 Season)
The 2021-2022 season proved to be the defining moment of Edwards’ tenure with the Rams. He started at left guard during Super Bowl LVI as the Rams faced the Cincinnati Bengals in a closely contested championship game. The Rams emerged victorious with a 23-20 win, giving Edwards his first Super Bowl championship ring. The victory capped a remarkable season in which the Rams had assembled a championship-caliber roster through strategic acquisitions and player development.
Edwards returned as the starting left guard to begin the 2022 season. However, his season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2022, due to a concussion. He was designated to return from injured reserve on November 16, 2022, demonstrating his resilience in working back from the brain injury. This injury marked the first significant setback of his professional career after a strong start to his time in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills Era (2023-Present)
On March 23, 2023, Edwards signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations. The move to Buffalo represented a new chapter in his career and an opportunity to contribute to one of the AFC’s premier teams. Edwards brought his championship experience and versatility to a Bills offensive line that sought to solidify its pass protection and run-blocking units.
Edwards’ performance with the Bills validated the team’s investment in him. On March 6, 2024, he signed a two-year contract extension worth $6 million, securing his place with the franchise through the 2025 season. The extension reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his integration into the team’s culture. Throughout the 2024 season, Edwards continued starting at guard, contributing to an offense led by quarterback Josh Allen that remained among the league’s most potent units.
Playing Style and Strengths
Edwards possesses the size and length expected of an NFL offensive lineman at 6 feet 6 inches and 308 pounds. His background playing quarterback in high school provided him with a unique understanding of defensive schemes and passing windows, enhancing his ability to anticipate stunts and blitzes. His three years of varsity basketball at center developed his footwork, body control, and spatial awareness, attributes that translate directly to effective footwork in pass protection and mobility in the run game. Edwards demonstrates consistent technique and football intelligence, fitting well within different offensive systems and playbooks.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Edwards’ career highlights include winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, an achievement that represents the pinnacle of NFL success. He was named a First-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association following his sophomore season at Wisconsin in 2017. He earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2017 and 2018, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the conference. Being drafted in the fifth round (169th overall) and developing into a consistent NFL starter while winning a Super Bowl represents a successful trajectory that demonstrates his work ethic and adaptability to the professional level.
David Edwards College Career
Edwards played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2015 to 2018. His journey from a red-shirt freshman to First-team All-American represents one of the more remarkable developmental arcs in recent college football history. His physical transformation during his time in Madison, Illinois, from a 215-pound high school quarterback to a 275-pound Division I offensive tackle, showcased his dedication to his craft and his body’s responsiveness to proper training.
Prior to his junior season, Edwards seriously considered declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft but ultimately decided to return for his senior year. A conversation with Wisconsin alumnus and NFL veteran Joe Thomas proved influential in his decision. Thomas, a first-round pick and future Hall of Famer, told Edwards that he would remember his final year at Wisconsin more than his rookie season in the NFL. This advice resonated with Edwards, who valued the collegiate experience and leadership opportunities at Wisconsin.
Edwards entered the 2018 season with significant recognition. He was named pre-season second-team All-American by Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, and the Associated Press while also receiving first-team All-American honors from Athlon Sports. These accolades reflected the respect he had earned nationally as one of the top offensive linemen in college football. On January 1, 2019, Edwards announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft, concluding his distinguished Wisconsin career with 41 career starts including starts at both right tackle positions.
David Edwards Career Achievements
Edwards has accumulated significant accomplishments across his collegiate and professional career. His achievements span individual All-American honors at Wisconsin and championship success in the NFL, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest levels of football.
Wisconsin Badgers Highlights
At Wisconsin, Edwards developed into one of the Big Ten Conference’s top offensive linemen. He was the only player in the country named to the 2017 All-American team by the American Football Coaches Association who did not start a game the previous season. He finished his Badgers career as a two-time Second-team All-Big Ten selection and earned the single first-team All-American honor following his sophomore campaign, a remarkable ascent for a player who had red-shirted as a freshman and spent his first years developing his frame.
Professional Highlights
At the professional level, Edwards’ most significant achievement remains his role as a starting offensive lineman during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship season. Starting in the Super Bowl itself represents the highest-pressure situation in professional football, and Edwards’ performance contributed to the Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. His continued employment with a championship-caliber Buffalo Bills team and his 2024 contract extension further demonstrate his value as a reliable NFL player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks Edwards’ third year with the Buffalo Bills and second season of his two-year contract extension. Heading into the season, Edwards maintained his position as a starting guard on an offense built around quarterback Josh Allen’s elite playmaking ability. The Bills entered the 2025 campaign with Super Bowl aspirations following consecutive deep playoff runs, and Edwards’ continued presence on the offensive line provided consistency in protection schemes and run blocking.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 season, Edwards’ experience from his Rams championship run and his established rapport with his offensive line teammates proved valuable. His versatility and football intelligence allowed the Bills coaching staff to deploy various blocking schemes and adjustments based on opponent game plans. The continuity along the offensive line contributed to the Bills maintaining their status as one of the league’s top offenses.