Julian Edelman: A True Patriot

By Rory Jones

New England Patriots receiver and fan-favourite Julian Edelman announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, after a failed physical resulted in the termination of his contract. Plaudits have been pouring in, not least from two of the biggest influences in his professional career.

Patriot Way Incarnate

Despite being the most prolific head coach and quarterback duo in NFL history, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady’s differences have been well documented, with Brady leaving to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. It nevertheless seems that there is one thing they can agree on:

Julian Edelman.

The former New England Patriots wide receiver, 34, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, was ‘The Patriot Way’ incarnate. Tom Brady’s number one target throughout 11 seasons together in New England, he has more targets (1036), and catches (689) than any other receiver in Brady’s illustrious career. The duo combined for 7674 yards and 41 touchdowns, and won three Super Bowls together. But their connection off the field was even stronger.

“You never lost that chip on your shoulder. You never let anyone define you as a person or player”, Tom Brady said in glowing tribute to his former teammate on Instagram earlier this week.

A seventh round draft pick as a quarterback from Kent State, Edelman would prove to be an integral piece in the Patriots’ dynasty. Converting to wide receiver, he would go on to make 620 receptions for 6822 yards and 36 TDs in regular season play.

“You had so many teammates that admired your work ethic and will to win, and I am at the top of the list, because when I was down and feeling sorry for myself at times, you were right there to pick me up. You were as tough as could be, and I love you for all that you did to make our teams as great as they could possibly be.”

Playoff Performer

Although his regular season production was impressive, he lived for the playoffs, where the bulk of his production lies. His 1442 receiving yards in the postseason are the second most all time of any receiver, behind only Jerry Rice. Something both Brady And Belichick are grateful for.

Hardly known for being especially laudative of his players, Belichick was full of praise for New England’s long-serving wide receiver:

“Few players can match Julian’s achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic.

“This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out.”

Such lofty praise from Belichick, who has coached the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and 6 championships, is an extremely rare occasion, and is a testament to the impact Edelman had on the most dominant era in NFL history.

“..with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances”, he added.

Super Bowl Standout

Similarly Tom Brady, who won his seventh Super Bowl in his first year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in February, also acknowledged Edelman’s habit of making crucial plays in so many big games. “on the biggest stage and at the biggest moments, you always came through”, he said.

Perhaps the most famous play of Edelman’s career came in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl 51, as the Patriots mounted a historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. Trailing by 8 points with just two and a half minutes remaining, he would soon make one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history.

When Brady’s pass – intended for Edelman – was broken up, and spiralled towards the turf, the receiver dived for, and bobbled the football, before reeling it in just centimetres from the ground. His face was a picture of stoic concentration, with his eyes locked on the ball, as he scrambled over three bodies to made a play that would inspire the Patriots’ comeback victory, after trailing 28-3.

QB Connection

Edelman always turned up when the lights shone brightest. Two years later, in Super Bowl 53, his 10 catches for 141 yards resulted in him being named Super Bowl MVP, as the Patriots defeated the LA Rams 13-3. That was the last time he and Tom Brady would hoist the Lombardi trophy together. Despite going their separate ways last offseason when Brady joined the Bucs, the two remain close friends, and Brady did not hold back on his admiration for his long-time teammate in Foxborough.

The bromance between quarterback and receiver was as strong as any. After Edelman’s 84-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 2014 game against the Denver Broncos, Brady sprinted all the way into the-end zone to congratulate his teammate.

“Were you in the end zone after that punt return?” Asked an incredulous Edelman while mic’d up on the sideline. “Yeah”, Brady nodded, “gotta see my guy.”

'He Could, And Did, Do Everything'

Edelman’s grit and toughness made him one of the best respected players across the league. At only 5’10, 190lbs, his heart and competitive spirit will live long in the chronicles of the New England Patriots, the team where he spent his entire 12-year career.

A versatile player who began his career on special teams as a punt returner, he worked his way through the ranks to become a stalwart in a Patriots outfit that became synonymous with winning. His former coach, Belichick, was in awe of the “throwback” football player who was distinguished in all aspects of the game. “He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and an attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance”, he said.

“Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.”

Rory Jones is a sports journalist originally from West Yorkshire. He has been covering the NFL and NCAA for the last four seasons for both British and American publications. Rory is also the founder and co-host of The Sports Bubble podcast, which aims to raise the profile of the NFL in the UK. Find him on twitter @Rorysjones11

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