Well, here it is. After 11 seasons with the Patriots, number 11 Julian Edelman, has announced his retirement from football.
He goes out in the classy way that Jules always conducted himself, watch the whole video above, and be prepared for tears.
I’m sad it’s ended like this for Jules, a fine player who will be remembered as one of the greatest Patriots of the dynasty era, but the last few years have been difficult to get through as his body has slowly broken down.
I’ll remember watching him run the length of the field on TV here in England on late nights hoping to see him do it in person one day. Luckily, I did, in November 2019 against the Cowboys, in the pouring rain and snow, Edelman raced out into a wild reception, as he always did at Gillette. It was amazing.
The passing touchdowns, the catch in Super Bowl 51, his MVP performance in Super Bowl 53, his community spirit for Boston, and his love for his teammates.
Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history. 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 is retiring with the second-most career 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 throughout his career. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England.
Robert Kraft via Patriots.com
By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all, 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. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.
Bill Belichick via Patriots.com
The final chapter in a fairy-tale career, it’s been a hell of a ride.
Thank-you 11.