Julian Edelman
 

Jules, one of my absolute favorite all time athletes is officially retiring. The guy was a undersized running quarterback at a secondary football university, Kent State, and was not even on most NFL teams draft board. Bill Belichick saw something special in the guy and drafted him late in the 7th round as a project that might work out because the guy simply was a "football player with heart". Bill converted him into a punt returner and wide receiver project that no one expected to make the team. He made the team, and became the best punt returner in NFL history. He also replaced Wes Welker as probably the best slot receiver in NFL history. His performance in the clutch (the playoffs) as a wide receiver is second only to the legendary Jerry Rice. Jules threw touchdown passes, played cornerback on defense, returned punts, slot receiver, outside receiver, and did anything else the coach asked of him. Jules finished his career with three Super Bowl rings and a Super Bowl MVP. He was absolutely the most dedicated, crazy, versatile, unselfish, fearless, and overachieving football player ever. Thanks for all the memories : )

I saw him play at a few games I attended in person and I completely agree. On TV you didn’t always see the different positions and plays he made. He did so much more to help the team win besides receiving the ball. An amazing player.

Julian was an exceptional player and teammate. The catch against the Falcons was a tribute to his athleticism and fearlessness.
I hope he continues as a coach. He has a lot to offer personally and professionally.

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Lived in Boston area for 20 years - much of it, the heyday of SB Patriots. "The catch" epitomized the training and focus of many on that team during those times. Edelman was the poster-guy with those attributes. But all good things come to an end. Certainly hope that his health is fine, and that he finds a fulfilling future in other endeavors.

My daughter-in-law met him at a party many years ago, she hugged him. And told us all that his bicep was like solid granite....
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It's deflating to learn of his retirement.

Huh?

Great player but nowhere near the greatest punt returner.

excellent player, he'll be missed

I agree. I always enjoyed watching him play. I wish him the best.

Agreed! And I’m no Patriot fan.

You could not have described him better. Tougher than nails, definitely a Hall of Fame quality player.

Tougher than nails, yes. Hall of Famer, no.

Great, gutsy player, but HOF status is all about stats and JE doesn't have the numbers to even be considered. There are a number of receivers that have better numbers that aren't in and may never be. JE was never named All Pro or even selected to a Pro Bowl and I don't think there are any modern players in without those basic qualifiers.

He’ll be on the Tampa team soon....

Seems to have slipped by unnoticed!:icon_wink:

I saw my first patriot game while home on leave they played the game in Harvard stadium in 1960. If they ever create a hall of fame just for tough guys or clutch playoff guys he’s in but for the regular hall of fame until Hines Ward gets
In Edelman is not even in the conversation