He contributed to a Super Bowl win in 2014, catching nine passes for 109 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Seattle to cap an incredible postseason run. He hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark that year for the first of three times in his career, while catching six touchdowns. He played a minor role on offense in the next three seasons before becoming one of Tom Brady's favorite targets in 2013. In the Patriots' playoff loss at home to the Ravens, Edelman - filling in for an injured Welker - was the lone bright spot, as he he caught six passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. He ended up catching 37 passes for 359 yards and a touchdown as a rookie, while returning six punts and 11 kickoffs, averaging 10.5 yards on punt returns and 21.9 yards on kick returns. He returned a punt for a touchdown in his first preseason game - inspiring the infamous Belichick/Wes Welker/Wally Pipp moment - and earned a spot on the roster that summer. (He caught one pass in college, for 11 yards.) A college quarterback at Kent State, he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 draft by Bill Belichick and the Patriots, with the distinction that he was drafted as a receiver. ![]() Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him."Įdelman's story in New England will go down as one of the most unique careers in NFL history. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. "Few players can match Julian's achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. "By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England." Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. ![]() His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend throughout his career. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. ![]() "There aren't many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. "Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise's history," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a team release. That report indicated that "nothing can solve the underlying problem" with Edelman's knee, and that despite his own desire to play next year, the decision for 2021 ultimately rested with the Patriots. Last week, the Boston Herald reported that Edelman was "doubtful" to be able to play a full NFL season, due to the condition of his knee.
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