was a starter for the Chargers since the time he joined the team. He averaged 154 tackles from 2003–2005, and made at least 100 tackles from 1997–2005. After recording half a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in a week 7 game of the 2006 season, Edwards became the 9th player in NFL history to become part of the 20/20 Club. He retired with career totals of 23.5 sacks and 28 interceptions, just nine short of the NFL record for most interceptions by a linebacker (37 by the Baltimore Colts' Don Shinnick). At the conclusion of the 2006 NFL season, Edwards' contract was allowed to expire, making him a free agent. During his tenure, Donnie took time to talk to and counsel youths who came to Chargers practice. Second stint with Chiefs On March 10, 2007 Edwards re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after his five-year stint with the San Diego Chargers. Edwards was released by the Chiefs on February 24, 2009. Philanthropy Since retiring, Edwards has devoted himself full-time to philanthropy. He donates time and money to the charitable organizations and institutions that provided positive guidance during his youth. He hosts an annual 'Dad's Day with Donnie' in San Diego, California. The event provides children who are missing a father figure the unique opportunity to spend a day with professional athletes. He is also a dedicated supporter of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, After School All-Stars, the Best Defense Foundation, and Jump for Life. Edwards also supports the U.S. military. Influenced by his studies in political science at UCLA and a grandfather who served in World War II, Edwards has participated in seven United Service Organization tours. In 2018, Donnie and his wife Kathryn, started the non-profit, Best Defense Foundation. The Foundation focuses on three pillar programs--Battlefield Returns take veterans back to their battlefields; Stronghold Transitions provides retreats for newly transitioning special force operators to focus on mental health; Education Initiative to promote the preservation of the legacy of those who have served in the military. Personal life Edwards travels between his two homes in Rancho Santa Fe, California and Brentwood, California with his wife Kathryn Edwards; they appeared together on the sixth season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. He is a certified yoga instructor and has served as a brand ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai watches. He is of Mexican, Native American, and African American descent.