Patriots give one of their most beloved legends the recognition he earned after years of impact on and off the field
The New England Patriots fanbase has spoken. On Monday, the team announced that legendary receiver Julian Edelman was going to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, becoming the 37th member to join this elite group. Edelman was one of three finalists this year, joined by Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri. However, it is the […]
The New England Patriots fanbase has spoken.
On Monday, the team announced that legendary receiver Julian Edelman was going to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, becoming the 37th member to join this elite group.
Edelman was one of three finalists this year, joined by Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri. However, it is the receiver who will be joining Bill Parcells as the two inductees this year.
“Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in the team's statement. “There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he finished his career with the second-most receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite.”
Despite having spent his college career as a quarterback, Bill Belichick and the Patriots saw a lot of potential in Edelman, but at a different position.
"Especially when I was working for Bill my first stint, I remember going out and working out receivers. And the most famous story for me was Julian Edelman," former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien said at Boston College Pro Day in March.
"We all, everybody went out there and worked him out. And Bill would tell us, 'he's not a quarterback, so don't tell me he's a quarterback. Now, don't tell Julian that. But, he's something.'"
New England ultimately drafted Edelman in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but nobody could have predicted what was to come.
Edelman became one of the most important members of the second half of the Patriots dynasty, going on to win three Super Bowls. In Super Bowl LIII, where New England defeated the Rams, 13-3, Edelman was even named MVP. For all his accomplishments with the Patriots, he earned a spot on the Patriots All-2010s Team and the All-Dynasty Team.
The date and time for the induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Patriots RB Antonio Gibson explains how Julian Edelman ‘hurt my heart’ with viral play in Super Bowl LI
At least he said it with a smile!
