Gus Edwards Bio
Augustus Edwards (born April 13, 1995) is a Liberian professional football running back who currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League. Known by the nickname “Gus the Bus,” Edwards earned recognition for his large frame and physical running style throughout his career. He played college football at the University of Miami and Rutgers University before signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Edwards was born in Monrovia, Liberia, during the First Liberian Civil War, a conflict that devastated the country and resulted in significant loss of life among civilians. At the age of five, Edwards and his family relocated to the United States, settling in Staten Island, New York. He attended Tottenville High School in Staten Island, where he began playing organized football.
Edwards established himself as a three-star recruit according to major recruiting services including ESPN, 247Sports.com, Rivals.com, and Scout.com. He initially verbaled his commitment to Syracuse University but rescinded that commitment following a coaching change. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Miami.
Path to American Football
Edwards played college football for the Miami Hurricanes from 2013 to 2016, developing his skills at the collegiate level. He concluded his college career as a graduate transfer at Rutgers University in 2017, suiting up for the Scarlet Knights for his final season of eligibility.
Despite not being selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, Edwards attracted interest from professional teams due to his college performance and physical attributes. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2018, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
Gus Edwards Career
Baltimore Ravens Beginnings (2018–2023)
Edwards joined the Ravens following the 2018 NFL Draft. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 1, 2018, and promptly signed to the team’s practice squad. His strong performances in practice earned him a promotion to the active roster on October 13, 2018. He made his professional debut in Week 6 of the 2018 season, recording 10 carries for 42 yards in a 21–0 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Edwards quickly demonstrated his capabilities as a rookie. In a Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, he carried the ball 17 times for 115 yards and scored his first professional touchdown. By late November 2018, he recorded 23 carries for 118 yards against the Oakland Raiders, becoming the first Ravens rookie running back to post back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing games since Jamal Lewis accomplished the feat during the 2000 season. Edwards finished his rookie year as the Ravens’ leading rusher with 718 yards and two touchdowns, ranking fifth among all rookie running backs in the league.
Ravens Breakthrough and Growth (2019–2021)
The 2019 season saw Edwards continue his development as a reliable contributor in the Ravens’ ground game. He appeared in multiple games and finished the year with 711 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 133 carries. His consistent performance earned him a one-year exclusive-rights free agent tender from Baltimore in July 2020.
Edwards enjoyed his most productive season to that point in 2020. He played in all 16 games, starting six, and accumulated 723 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 144 carries. He also contributed nine receptions for 129 receiving yards. His versatility and dependability prompted the Ravens to place a second-round restricted free agent tender on him in March 2021. In June 2021, Edwards signed a two-year contract extension worth $10 million, signaling the team’s commitment to his services. However, his 2021 season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn ACL during practice on September 9, forcing him to be placed on injured reserve the following day.
Ravens Resurgence and Leadership (2022–2023)
Edwards began the 2022 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and was activated on October 22. In his first game back, he scored two rushing touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in a 23–20 victory during Week 7. He finished the 2022 regular season playing in nine games with four starts, compiling 87 carries for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
The 2023 season marked a significant turning point in Edwards’ career. Although he began the year as the second running back on the depth chart behind J.K. Dobbins, he quickly assumed the lead role when Dobbins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1’s victory over the Houston Texans. Primarily utilized in short-yardage and goal-line situations, Edwards delivered career-defining performances throughout the season. He posted a career-long 80-yard reception against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 and achieved a career-high three rushing touchdowns versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. Edwards closed the season with career highs in carries (198), rushing yards (810), rushing touchdowns (13), receptions (12), and receiving yards (180). His 13 rushing touchdowns ranked fifth highest in the league that season.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
On March 13, 2024, Edwards signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. He entered the season as the starting running back, sharing duties with his former Ravens teammate J.K. Dobbins. Following an ankle injury, Edwards was placed on injured reserve on October 12, 2024. He was activated ahead of Week 10’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans on November 9. The Chargers released Edwards on March 10, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Edwards earned the nickname “Gus the Bus” due to his imposing 6-foot-1, 238-pound frame and downhill running approach. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his physicality and contact balance allow him to move chains and find the end zone. His vision, patience, and ability to follow his blockers complement his power-running style.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards’ rookie season set the tone for his career, as he became the first Ravens rookie running back to record consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Jamal Lewis in 2000. His 2023 season breakthrough with 13 touchdowns demonstrated his ability to serve as a primary running back, while his consistent production across multiple seasons solidified his reputation as a reliable NFL contributor.
Gus Edwards Career Wins
Across six NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers, Edwards has established himself as a productive professional running back with consistent rushing totals.
NFL Highlights
Edwards has accumulated 3,760 career rushing yards with a 4.7 yards-per-carry average and 30 rushing touchdowns through the 2024 season. He has also contributed 33 receptions for 380 receiving yards. His most prolific season came in 2023 with the Ravens, when he recorded 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while serving as the primary ball carrier following J.K. Dobbins’s injury. Edwards scored multiple touchdowns in numerous games throughout his career, demonstrating his effectiveness near the goal line.
College Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Edwards played for two major college programs. He developed as a player during four seasons at the University of Miami before transferring to Rutgers for his senior year as a graduate student.
Gus Edwards Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Edwards was born in Liberia during a period of civil conflict and immigrated to the United States with his family at age five. Details about his parents or family lineage in professional football are not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Edwards maintains an active public profile on Instagram under the handle @godsgiftgus13. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers in March 2025, Edwards enters the 2025 season as an unrestricted free agent. His recent injury history and age may factor into his opportunities with potential suitors. Teams seeking an experienced, physical running back with proven short-yardage and goal-line capabilities could view Edwards as a valuable addition to their roster. His track record of durability and production, including his standout 2023 season, provides a strong foundation for continued NFL contributions. The market for veteran running backs remains active, and Edwards’ skill set continues to align with league trends favoring power runners in specific situations.