There. Now that the 28-year-old wide receiver’s legal issues are out of the way, here’s what you should really know about Braylon Edwards: He’s one of the good guys.

Last year, Edwards made headlines—for the right reasons—when he followed up on his pledge to pay for 100 Cleveland-area students to go to college. In 2007, Edwards’ best year with the Browns, the Pro-Bowler promised a $10,000 scholarship for every student who could graduate with a 2.5 GPA and 15 hours of community service. Four years later, 79 of those students exceeded the requirements—and Edwards paid for each one to further his or her education.

Some of the students who took part in Edwards’ Advance 100 initiative are now enrolled at Harvard, Cornell, and Johns Hopkins universities—a remarkable feat, considering that only half of Cleveland public school students ever make it out of high school. (The city has the third-lowest graduation rate in the country.)

Athletes donate their millions to charities all the time, but few ring as sincere in their efforts as Edwards. Here, the free agent receiver—he was waived by the 49ers in December because of a nagging knee injury—speaks about the importance of philanthropy, and why your favorite team would be wise to sign him to play next season.

Men’s Health: What spawned the Advance 100 initiative?

Braylon Edwards: I’ve been given so much, and I wanted to reach out and give back to people. My mom and I came up with a foundation that we really could believe in, be proud of, and relate to. See, it’s hard to do something just to do it. Even though it would’ve been great to promote breast cancer awareness, I really can’t relate to it. I don’t know anything about it. But I do know education, and that became the reoccurring theme. In Detroit, where I’m from, we had the lowest high school graduation rate. In Cleveland, when I was with the Browns, we had the third lowest.

Men’s Health: How involved were you with the students during the program?

Braylon Edwards: We did a bunch of different things for them. It’s easy to go, “You do this, I’ll do that, and we’ll see you in 4 years.” But we worked with these kids all the time. We got them into college courses on the weekends, so most of the kids who made it to college this year already had credit going in. We put them in etiquette classes—the ones that teach young men how to shake hands, how to tie a tie, and how to sit down at the proper place setting. We wondered, “What do these kids need in life that they can’t get in high school?” Sometimes we just sat down and talked about life with them. We had one girl get pregnant early on toward the end of her freshman year in high school. Obviously it’s not what we wanted, but we didn’t shy away from that. We helped her with whatever she needed, and she ended up graduating in just three years as a 4.2 student, and she now goes to Bowling Green on a full-ride scholarship. As a mother. I’m really proud of what we did.

Men’s Health: Do you think some athletes donate to charity just because it’s what’s expected of them as people in the public eye? And why is it so important to actually back up those actions?

Braylon Edwards: Athletes should give more of a shit—if they really mean it. They should take time to found a foundation that they can believe in and support. That’s opposed to their financial advisers or agents saying, “Hey, you should donate $10,000 to this hurricane relief fund and tweet about it.” Listen, we’re blessed individuals. Let’s call a spade a spade. We drive high-end vehicles, stay in nice areas in nice houses, and wear nice jewelry. We do, for the most part, whatever we want to do. So I think we have to remember what went into us getting where we are along the way. At the end of the day, I don’t get anything back from it. I’ve been given so much, so why not help? So many people need reassurance. You can go to high school on a day-to-day basis and listen to the teacher tell you, “If you do this, that, and a third, you can go to college and become a doctor,” and so on. It’s one thing for students to hear that from a teacher’s mouth, but it’s another thing to hear that from athletes or entertainers who they watch, mimic, and idolize.

Men’s Health: How involved were you with the students during the program?

Braylon Edwards: We did a bunch of different things for them. It’s easy to go, “You do this, I’ll do that, and we’ll see you in 4 years.” But we worked with these kids all the time. We got them into college courses on the weekends, so most of the kids who made it to college this year already had credit going in. We put them in etiquette classes—the ones that teach young men how to shake hands, how to tie a tie, and how to sit down at the proper place setting. We wondered, “What do these kids need in life that they can’t get in high school?” Sometimes we just sat down and talked about life with them. We had one girl get pregnant early on toward the end of her freshman year in high school. Obviously it’s not what we wanted, but we didn’t shy away from that. We helped her with whatever she needed, and she ended up graduating in just three years as a 4.2 student, and she now goes to Bowling Green on a full-ride scholarship. As a mother. I’m really proud of what we did.

Men’s Health: Do you think some athletes donate to charity just because it’s what’s expected of them as people in the public eye? And why is it so important to actually back up those actions?

Braylon Edwards: Athletes should give more of a shit—if they really mean it. They should take time to found a foundation that they can believe in and support. That’s opposed to their financial advisers or agents saying, “Hey, you should donate $10,000 to this hurricane relief fund and tweet about it.” Listen, we’re blessed individuals. Let’s call a spade a spade. We drive high-end vehicles, stay in nice areas in nice houses, and wear nice jewelry. We do, for the most part, whatever we want to do. So I think we have to remember what went into us getting where we are along the way. At the end of the day, I don’t get anything back from it. I’ve been given so much, so why not help? So many people need reassurance. You can go to high school on a day-to-day basis and listen to the teacher tell you, “If you do this, that, and a third, you can go to college and become a doctor,” and so on. It’s one thing for students to hear that from a teacher’s mouth, but it’s another thing to hear that from athletes or entertainers who they watch, mimic, and idolize.

Men’s Health: Does getting recognition for your philanthropy help clear the Braylon Edwards name?

Braylon Edwards: It was really just two instances where I was in the wrong place at the wrong time that left a stain on my name and my career. So it feels really good to see my philanthropy getting the attention it deserves. Maybe Braylon Edwards isn’t who we thought he was. In the same sense, it’s one of those things where nothing matters if you’re successful. All can be forgiven when someone is successful. And philanthropy doesn’t matter if you’re not successful. You watch someone like Ben Roethlisberger. He had back-to-back summers when he was dodging rape cases. But then he went to the Super Bowl and everyone forgot about all of that. It happens all the time. I’m just happy that the foundation is getting the notoriety that it should, because we’ve worked so hard.

Men’s Health: You’re a free agent in April. Give me your best pitch for why I should pay you money to come play for my team, knowing that you’ve had health problems and legal troubles in the past.

Braylon Edwards: In terms of the health issues, by the time April rolls around [when NFL free agency begins], I will have been in Miami for several months working with one of the nation’s best rehab specialists and knee surgeons. The health will be there. I’m still on the minor side of 30, so I’ve got some years left. Also, in terms of the two incidents, hey, nobody’s perfect. Everybody’s put in situations when they’re challenged, but the key is, how did you come back from adversity? In both instances, I’ve grown. I’ve never been a bad presence in the locker room, and I’ve never gotten into any issues with a coach or fellow player. If there’s team that wants that, along with some playoff experience, then I’m here.

As a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, Braylon Edwards promised 100 public school 8th graders $10,000 towards college if they became exemplary students. Rick Reilly sits down with Braylon Edwards to discuss this program.

“Although I cannot be at home because I’ll be with my team, the San Francisco 49ers, I still wanted to do something for my hometown,” said Braylon Edwards, founder of the Braylon Edwards Foundation. “I know that things are difficult in Michigan right now and I felt it was my responsibility to assist in providing a Christmas for families as well honor the work of Eleanor Josaitis who passed earlier this year.”

Edwards is unable to attend, due to NFL commitments but will deliver a special video message for attendees. Members of the foundation will be present to distribute the items in his absence. Eleanor Josaitis had been a supporter of the foundation serving as co-chair for the 2010 Braylon Edwards Foundation Brunch and was honored for her service in the community at this year’s event.

The “Turkeys & Toys Giveaway” will take place at the Focus: HOPE Conference Center located at 1300 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48238. Due to the responsiveness of the past events, Focus: HOPE has pre-selected families to participate in the program; it is not open to the public.

Turkeys & Toys 2010 – - Braylon Edwards Foundation

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated area of education. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism. http://www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org/

Focus: HOPE a non-profit organization dedicated to intelligent and practical solutions to the problems of hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness. For over 40 years the organization has served southeast Michigan by providing food and career services programs. http://www.focushope.edu/

(Nov. 8, 2011)—Being the only child during his early years, Braylon Edwards spent a lot of time with his family dogs and from there, his first love of man’s best friend was born. Now, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver considers his pet Rottweiler Louis one of his best friends. So, when his veterinarian told him that neutering Louis might help prolong his companion’s life, Edwards didn’t hesitate to take that important step.

“I love my dog and I’ll do anything to extend our friendship,” Edwards says, petting Louis in a new HSUS video airing on YouTube and The Humane Society of the United States’ homepage.

The videos will be included in Pets for Life training toolkits and will be used in humane education presentations. The toolkits will be made available for animal service providers and animal welfare organizations interested in learning more about conducting effective community outreach.

The HSUS’ Pets for Life program operates in five major U.S. cities, focusing on the most underserved communities. Pets for Life offers free services like pet vaccination, spay/neuter and training. The program is built on community outreach and education in animal welfare, helping to elevate the human/animal bond across socio-economic borders.

Amanda Arrington, associate director for The Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life programs, said Edwards’ love for animals makes him a perfect Pets for Life advocate.

“Braylon Edwards is an intense competitor on the field, but at home, he is a best friend to his dog, Louis, and we love the passion he brings to this cause. If he can help convince one person that spaying and neutering a pet is a healthy and happy choice for their animal, we will be making a difference together,” Arrington said.

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HSUS Media Contact: Pepper Van Tassell: 240-751-0232; pvantassell@humanesociety.org

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “HumaneTV” app.

ABOUT THE HSUS: The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.

ABOUT BRAYLON EDWARDS: Braylon Edwards is an NFL wide receiver, philanthropist and business leader. He is a University of Michigan All-American and recipient of the prestigious, Fred Biletnikoff Award. Shortly after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Edwards founded his Foundation with the thought-process of “receiving means giving.” The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of under-served youth in the concentrated areas of education and health. The Foundation’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excel in academics, conduct and community volunteerism. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to charitable giving. 

Delaine Walker needs a new contract today: Walker does so many things for the 49ers it’s easy to miss him on the field due to his versatility. Walker plays TE, WR, HB and FB and is a huge contributor in the run game as well as providing miss matches for defenses as a TE that runs like a WR. Walker signed a 6 year $5.5 million deal which expires after next season. It’s time for the 49ers to extend one of the truly unique players in football.

Page 2: The rest of my week 8 observations

Braylon Edwards is healthy: Given the annual Michael Crabtree injury saga when a 49er WR comes back from an injury let’s just say I’m a little skeptical until I see him on the field. Edwards looked crisp, quick and ready on Sunday, a sign that he is 100% healthy and ready to contribute for the 49ers. Edwards’s role will be huge in determining how far this team can go in the playoffs.

Michael Crabtree is the #1 WR, for now: Crabtree has long had the “diva” label, some of it warranted some of it not. Whether you like Crabs or not his ability cannot be denied. Crabs has been exceptional all year in the run game with great downfield blocking. He and Alex Smith have long struggled to find chemistry with one another. That all seems to be changing as Crabtree has been Smith’s favorite target the last couple weeks and has had by far the most passes come him way. Crabtree’s development into a true #1 WR would be a huge development for the offense. For right now it’s clear, Crabtree is the teams #1 WR that is until Braylon Edwards gets accustomed to the offense then it’s anyone’s guess that will be #1.

Another week, another win: It wasn’t pretty, especially in the 2nd half. But 6-1 is 6-1; a 4 game lead in the NFC West is well a 4 game lead in the NFC West. My biggest take away from the 49ers week 8 game is that the team can win without playing its best football. Aside from the Bucs game the 49ers really haven’t played their best football for 4 quarters this season. The team is only getting better with its young roster and new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Q: How does it feel to be 6-1?

EDWARDS: It feels great. You can just watch the energy that we have in the locker room. Week to week, guys are very focused, very serious, very professional. And that’s why we’re 6-1…Nobody knew what we were going to do at the start of the year. We’re not trying to start anything different because of what we’re doing. We’re going to keep working and that’s why we’re winning.

Q: Any trepidation going into this game against your former team?

EDWARDS: A lot of it. But health-wise, it was up there. I have never done a meniscus, so I was a little nervous. There was some pain during the week, but that was natural. A little nervous, after the first play, it was kind of went away.

Q: Did you think about it during warm-ups?

EDWARDS: I thought about it during warm-ups. Because it’s just you and warming up. It’s not anxiety, it’s not the feel, it’s not the game. But once the game starts, I’m worried about getting open and everything else – I forgot the knee.

Q: What happened on the second play of the game when you were targeted but couldn’t make the catch?

EDWARDS: It was the slant that was a little behind me that got tipped and batted around. I actually got whacked on that play. That kind of was it. I ran the route, planted on the right leg, got whacked, and everything was cool.

Q: Did the layoff affect you in anyway?

EDWARDS: I want to get better. There were some things that I think I can get better. I was happy that I didn’t think about the knee. Going back and watching the film it will be different. But the fact that I wasn’t thinking about the knee and going the whole game in my condition, it was somewhat key.

Q: Were you fired up about going against the Browns, your former team?

EDWARDS: I don’t think it mattered. I think the way it time out perfectly: we had the four-week window for the meniscus (surgery), then you had the bye week which was an additional two weeks. It just happened to be Cleveland. It was fun, I know a couple of guys over there. It’s not the same head coach, the same organization. Really it’s kind of upside down with the changes over there. It was just fun to get a win at the end of the day.

Well, here are four players who can surely help and are worth the addition to your team.

Braylon Edwards: WR, 49ers
In his first game back after knee surgery, Braylon Edwards had a good performance in getting back to the acclimation of the game. With four catches for 42 yards against a stout Browns’ pass defense, you can expect more from Edwards as the season progresses.

You don’t want to start him right away, but adding him does provide you with some solid depth and talent. When healthy, he’s Alex Smith’s best target and with a dominant ground game with RB Frank Gore, the Frisco pass offense will open up very well as 2011 continues.

Jake Ballard: TE, Giants
Although the Giants looked skeptical as a team against Miami in Week 8, TE Jake Ballard had solid production in gaining 55 yards on four catches.

It appears that Eli Manning will be dropping back more also, because the run game has lacked as of recent and New York only ranks No. 30 in rush offense. For the year, Ballard is third on the team in receiving yards (328), so although his targets are limited, he does get good yards after the catch.

Sam Bradford/A.J. Feeley: QB, Rams
It’s a conundrum of which Rams’ QB to pickup, but either one will work regardless of who gets the start. Feeley played well last week, so it’s evident that he can produce. However, Sam Bradford is clearly the better QB.

That said, despite having no one other than WR Brandon Lloyd to target, the St. Louis passing game will improve thanks to RB Steven Jackson having a mid-season surge. Not sure how long it’s going to last, but it shouldn’t matter as the Rams have five divisional games remaining.

Translation: the NFC West is weak in pass defense, so don’t sleep on anyone from St. Louie.

Laurent Robinson: WR, Cowboys
So far, most of his fantasy points came from a 70-yard TD catch, and Dallas WR Laurent Robinson just became another target for QB Tony Romo.

And although he’s a little more appealing for defenses to acknowledge, do you really think defensive coordinators are going to leave Dez Bryant and/or Miles Austin in one-on-one coverage over Laurent Robinson? Well, if they really want to get burned then yes.

Therefore, you can anticipate Robinson getting more targets because although he’s a threat, he will still be disrespected by opposing defenses.

We’ll have a bit more on Edwards fellow starting wide receiver Michael Crabtree later today. In the meantime, I was curious about how the team would look to use Edwards moving forward. He seemed to have the most success on short little slant patterns where he could use his size to basically shield away the cornerback covering him. It would seem to behoove the team to use him more in such a role. I’m sure there are reasons the team did not go to that well any more frequently. I don’t know if it was concern about the defense adjusting, or what exactly, but they chose not to further use a play that was having a lot of success.

The 49ers travel to face the Washington Redskins this Sunday and Edwards will likely be covered by either Josh Wilson or DeAngelo Hall. Edwards has a solid four to five inches and twenty pounds on them. Hall and Wilson have veteran experience, but it remains to be seen if either can match the physical nature of Edwards. I suppose it is impossible to make many predictions about the 49ers offensive game plan aside from Frank Gore, but consider me hopeful we see Edwards using that size advantage as frequently as possible.