Weldon Edwards (2023) - Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame

Weldon Edwards

Induction:
2023
Class:
1973

Embracing a trailblazing role, Weldon Edwards was the first Black football player at the University of Richmond. Two major knee injuries limited his career, but his mark on the program was forever etched in stone.

Edwards was a member of the Spider football program from 1970-73, playing for Hall of Fame coach Frank Jones. He played in 30 games, rushing for 321 yards while posting 436 yards of total offense. As a running back, he scored two touchdowns in the 1972 season opener against North Carolina. Edwards suffered a major knee injury against West Virginia the following week, prematurely ending his season. When he returned the Spiders moved him from running back to defensive back.

Despite the knee injuries, Weldon also ran track for Hall of Fame coach Fred Hardy. Edwards won the 1972 Southern Conference indoor 60-yard dash, earning a berth to the NCAA Division I nationals.

A local product who starred at Maggie Walker High School, Weldon remained a part of the Spider football program after his graduation, serving as an assistant coach for three seasons.

In February 2022, Edwards was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly as a student-athlete who “forged many strong bonds with his fellow teammates and paved the way for other African-American athletes and students at the institution.”