New England Patriots Super Bowl hero Julian Edelman has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 12-year career in Foxborough. Earlier Monday, the Patriots parted ways with the veteran receiver who helped the franchise win three Super Bowls. The team terminated Edelman’s contract after a failed physical, which paved the way for his retirement.
The soon-to-be 35-year-old receiver has been with the Patriots since 2009, when he was taken into the draft with the 232nd pick. Edelman was a starter on each of the three most recent Super Bowl championship teams, and was limited to just six games after undergoing knee surgery in 2020. He ended the 2020 season with 21 catches for 315 yards, which was his lowest total since 2012.
“I always said, ‘I’ll go until the wheels come off,’ and they finally fell off,” Edelman said in his retirement video. “Due to an injury last year, I will make my official announcement about my retirement from football. It was a tough decision, but the right decision for me and my family. And I am honored and so proud that I am a Patriot. ‘
The former Kent State quarterback is second in Patriots history in receptions with 670, 12 receptions behind former teammate Wes Welker. He is fourth in franchise history with 6,822 receiving yards and ninth with 36 touchdowns. One of his best seasons took place in 2019, when at the age of 33 he caught 100 of 153 targets for 1117 yards and six touchdowns. At the age of 33, Edelman’s 2019 production made it more impressive. and ribs.
“By any measure of what an elite NFL career is – wins, championships, production, Julian has it all,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Few players can match Julian’s achievements, period, but given his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It’s historic. It’s a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and wants to excel …. Julian Edelman is the ultimate rival and it was a privilege to coach him. ‘
The Super Bowl LIII MVP, Edelman, is one of the most productive post-season receivers in league history. He is second with 118 receptions and 1,442 careers after the season. He scored in the game in New England’s 28-24 victory over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. While the Patriots were late behind in Super Bowl LI, Edelman’s ballet reception of 23 yards helped New England complete the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Two years later, in the Super Bowl that was the lowest point ever, Edelman’s 10-catch 141 yard was the difference in the Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Rams.
Edelman’s 24 receptions in Super Bowl play are equivalent to fellow former Patriots receiver Deion Branch for the fifth time. His 337 Super Bowl yard is fourth time behind Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Lynn Swann, as well as former teammate Rob Gronkowski. His ten receptions in Super Bowl LIII are equivalent to the eighth highest singles total in Super Bowl history.
The five-foot-10, 198-pound Edelman, a quarterback in college, struck 13 times while running for another 13 during his final season in Kent State. His versatility caught Belichick’s attention, which kept Edelman on the leaderboard after Edelman’s impressive rookie camp. Edelman eventually blossomed into Tom Brady’s No. 1 receiver during New England’s Super Bowl runs in 2014, ’16 and ’18. Edelman’s three Super Bowl wins are the best for any receiver who has entered the NFL since 2009. His contributions to the recent success of the Patriots earned him a spot on the franchise’s team for the entire decade for the 2010s.
Although he was never selected in a Pro Bowl, Edelman earned a permanent spot in the Patriots because he was one of the most important members of the team’s recent championship.