From rushing the ball, catching powerful passes, and blocking opposing linebackers, Cayden Edwards has proven to be quite the running back. Possessing great agility and an uplifting spirit, Edwards has driven his team to victory countless times. In just the 2025 season, Edwards has demonstrated incredible performance, obtaining 60 carries for 7 touchdowns, 400 yards, and 125 receiving yards. It would be unreasonable to say that Edwards’ success is a matter of chance, as he puts in copious amounts of effort— attending morning practices and devoting his summer to preseason training.
Edward’s path into football started at the tender age of 6. He started playing in Cobb County, where he lived prior to moving into the big city. His love for the sport didn’t spawn out of nowhere. Being in an athletic family–his mom ran track at Louisiana Tech and his father played football at Lane College–he was always influenced by sports. Not only was Edwards a football star early on, but he also participated in track, soccer, and baseball. “My dad was always the biggest impact on me playing sports and playing football specifically. He was always working with me and has always been my biggest supporter,” he said.
As if his football background couldn’t get anymore significant, Edward’s uncle is the Atlanta Falcons legend, Warrick Dunn. Earning three Pro Bowl selections in just the twelve years of his career, Warrick Dunn has certainly earned the role of a football legend. His success as a running back likely inspired young Edwards to follow in his footsteps. “He’s been such a big influence on me and I always try to carry myself in my game the same way he did. And his running style was always completely downhill and my uncle wasn’t afraid of being hit or giving hits and that’s what I’ve always tried to do,” he said.
Like any sport, football requires ongoing dedication and sacrifice, which Edwards has undoubtedly demonstrated. During the school year, North Atlanta players (Dubs) are required to wake up at the crack of dawn, and practice at 6:00 a.m. While other North Atlanta students are tanning on the beach and enjoying the summer breeze, Edwards is attending exhausting summer practices. Despite the football season only taking place in the fall, the sport is most definitely a year-round commitment, with the Dub players only receiving 8 weeks without training or practice. “It’s a grind and to be sure we have to put so much time in. But I guess you don’t get too discouraged because there are your fellow teammates who are in with you the whole time,” he said.
Many coaches praise Edwards for his commitment to the team. Warrior Head Coach Jamie Aull notes that Edwards has helped Dubs incredibly, and is sad to see him leave. “He supports us in every way and he knows so much about the sport. We couldn’t ask for a better leader of us as players and us as men,” he said.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and time has come for Edwards’ high school football career. The end of the Dub’s season was marked by their 9-31 loss in the playoffs against Denmark on Halloween. As the season came to a close, so did the North Atlanta seniors’ football career. This meant a somber bus ride home with many tears shed. “It was so hard when we lost the game the way we did. But then you realized that these guys I’ve been playing with for so many years will never be my teammates again. That really hit me hard,” he said.
While many of his teammates will never play football again, Edwards has the fortunate opportunity of playing in college, receiving many offers. He is uncertain of his next move, but will ensure his football legacy lives on, no matter where he goes.
