By February, Minnesota defensive end Ray Edwards could be preparing for small-circuit amateur fights in Minnesota. Every few months, a new challenger could take him to Las Vegas or Atlantic City. In 18 to 24 months, he'll be a certified heavyweight prizefighter, which will be insurance for Edwards if he doesn't get a long-term NFL contract after this season or if the league locks out in 2011. "I'm really invested in this," Edwards, 25, says during a recent workout. "I'm looking forward to the future, whether that's in boxing or football. I don't know where I'll be. When the season ends, I'll start training for boxing heavily."