Julian Francis Edelman, born May 22, 1986, is a former professional football player who played as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots in the NFL for 12 seasons.
He started his college career at the College of San Mateo and later transferred to Kent State, initially playing quarterback.
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman became a key player for the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls and earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 2019.
He retired after the 2020 season, leaving a legacy as one of Tom Brady’s most reliable targets.
Siblings
Edelman has two siblings, an older brother named Jason and a younger sister named Nicole.
Growing up, he was competitive with Jason, who often teased him about his height.
Nicole also participated in family football drills, helping Julian hone his skills.
Edelman is known to maintain close relationships with both siblings, often seeking Jason’s advice on football matters.
Career
Edelman began his college career at the College of San Mateo, where he played quarterback and showcased his dual-threat capabilities.
He later transferred to Kent State University in 2006, where he became the starting quarterback.
During his time at Kent State, he set several school records and demonstrated versatility by contributing as a wide receiver and return specialist, amassing over 2,500 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards.
Edelman was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Initially utilized as a special teams player and backup receiver, he gradually transitioned into a primary receiving role.
His breakout season came in 2013 when he recorded 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns, solidifying his status as a key target for quarterback Tom Brady.
Edelman became known for his clutch performances in the postseason, playing pivotal roles in several playoff games, including the dramatic comeback against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
Throughout his career, Edelman achieved significant success with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI, LIII).
His most memorable performance occurred in Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught ten passes for 141 yards and was named Super Bowl MVP.
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Over his career, Edelman recorded impressive regular-season statistics that included 620 receptions for 6,822 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns.
In the playoffs, he excelled even further, ranking second all-time with 118 receptions and 1,142 receiving yards.
Edelman was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and earned First-Team All-Pro honors that same year.
After dealing with injuries that limited his playtime in previous seasons, he announced his retirement from professional football in April 2021.
His legacy is marked by his reputation as a clutch performer known for exceptional route running and critical catches under pressure.
Often regarded as one of the best slot receivers in NFL history, Edelman’s contributions were vital to the Patriots’ success during their dominant run in the 2010s.
Beyond football, he has become a cultural figure with appearances on television and social media platforms.
Accolades
Edelman’s accolades reflect his exceptional career as a wide receiver in the NFL.
He is a three-time Super Bowl champion, winning titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and was named Super Bowl MVP in 2019 for his performance in Super Bowl LIII, where he caught 10 passes for 141 yards.
Edelman ranks second all-time in NFL postseason history for both receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,142), showcasing his prowess in high-pressure situations.
He holds several Super Bowl records, including those for punt returns and first-half receptions in a single game.
Despite never being selected to a Pro Bowl, he was recognized as one of the most productive postseason receivers in NFL history.
Additionally, Edelman earned accolades such as AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week in 2016.
His contributions to the New England Patriots were further acknowledged when he was named to the Patriots All-2010s Team and the Patriots All-Dynasty Team.
After retiring, he transitioned into broadcasting and was nominated for a Sports Emmy for his work on Inside the NFL.
