WATCH: Ray Edwards knocks out opponent with phantom punch

Ray Edwards has been out of the NFL since November, when the Falcons released him. No longer encumbered by the rigors of a day job, the former defensive end was prompted to pursue one of his true passions: a professional boxing career.

Edwards won his debut bout in May 2011, during the NFL lockout. And now with plenty of time on his hands, he's back in the ring. Last month, according to BoxRec.com, Edwards knocked out Cory Briggs in Hinckley, Minnesota. Whether punches were actually landed remains a mystery.

We mention this because in a recent match in West Fargo, ND, Edwards' phantom uppercut sent a nameless tomato can sprawling to the canvas. No, really.

"That was a joke; he just flopped," said one onlooker.

"I don't even think he hit 'em," observed another.

"This is pretend," offered a third, trying to reconcile what had been billed as "boxing."

To recap: This is embarrassing on any number of levels.

But Edwards has knocked opponents out by, you know, making contact with them. Here's the video evidence from his first professional bout:

Upside: It doesn't matter what Edwards' new job pays: In 2011, the Falcons signed him to a five-year, $30 million deal that included $11 million in guarantees. He can rack up phantom KOs indefinitely.

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