During his senior year, James posted 136 tackles (10 for loss), five sacks and three fumble recoveries, while helping his team win the 1998 Class 5A state title.

He backed up Pro Bowl outside linebacker Dexter Coakley in a 4–3 defense during his first two seasons in the league, while showing playmaking ability as a special teams performer.

[5] James was the first player to lead the Cowboys in tackles for more than three straight seasons, eventually reaching a total of six consecutive years, the longest streak in franchise history.

James only missed two games in his Cowboys career (because he was deactivated as a rookie) and dealt each season, with the uncertainty of who would start at the other inside linebacker position, having to play with different teammates who included: Scott Shanle, Akin Ayodele, Zach Thomas, Keith Brooking and Sean Lee.

At the end of the season, the club decided not to re-sign him, with James leaving as its sixth career leading tackler.

[7] After the Houston Texans traded DeMeco Ryans to the Philadelphia Eagles, they signed James to a one-year contract on April 12, 2012, reuniting with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who was his head coach with the Dallas Cowboys.

In 2006, James was the co-host of Inside The Huddle, a one-hour player commentary show that aired live on sports talk radio in Dallas along with quarterback Tony Romo.

Twice a year, the Foundation awards grants to organizations committed to effectively promoting awareness of services and resources to breast cancer patients and survivors.