Relive the best moments of Julian Edelman's Patriots career
It's the end of an era as New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has called it a career after 12 years in the NFL.Edelman announced his retirement Monday after 11 seasons in Foxboro. The three-time Super Bowl champion will go down as one of the most important players in Boston sports history due to reliability and countless clutch moments, particularly in the postseason.A seventh-round draft pick out of Kent State, Edelman went from unheralded quarterback to prized wide receiver and an integral part of the Patriots dynasty. Here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments from his illustrious NFL career.
November 25, 2011: Patriots at Eagles
At the beginning of his career, Edelman spent time at defensive back for the Patriots. His most notable defensive highlight came at former Eagles quarterback Vince Young's expense. Edelman blitzed Young and laid him out, forcing an incompletion and further demonstrating his value as a versatile playmaker.
Edelman finished the 2011 NFL season with 18 tackles, 13 solo, and two fumble recoveries.
January 2, 2011: Dolphins at Patriots
Before establishing himself as one of the Patriots' most reliable receivers, Edelman turned heads as a dangerous punt returner. The first punt return touchdown of his career came in a 38-7 victory over the Dolphins in 2011. Edelman hauled in a punt at the six-yard line and took it 94 yards to the house, setting a Patriots record.
Little did we know at the time just how many more electric plays Edelman had left in the tank.
November 2, 2014: Broncos at Patriots
Another memorable punt return for Edelman came three years later vs. Denver. Edelman notched the fourth punt return touchdown of his career to set a new Patriots franchise record.
Edelman starred in the passing game as well. He finished with nine catches for 89 yards and a touchdown through the air, helping the Patriots to a 43-21 win.
January 10, 2015: Ravens at Patriots
One of Edelman's many clutch playoff moments came in the 2014 AFC Divisional Round vs. the Baltimore Ravens. With New England down 28-21, Edelman reminded everyone of his glory days as Kent State's QB with a perfect touchdown pass to Danny Amendola. The Patriots ended up winning 35-31 and eventually were crowned Super Bowl XLIX champions.
Edelman finished his NFL career with a perfect 158.3 passer rating, going 6-for-6 for 128 yards and a touchdown.
February 1, 2015: Patriots vs. Seahawks
The Patriots' Super Bowl victory over the Seahawks will forever be remembered for the Malcolm Butler interception, and rightfully so. But let's not forget what Julian Edelman did to put the Patriots in a position to win.
With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Edelman converted a 3rd-and-14 pass from Tom Brady after taking a monster hit from Kam Chancellor. Edelman shook off the hit, then went on to score what would be the game-winning touchdown. Not even the Legion of Boom could keep Edelman in check when it mattered most.
February 5, 2017: Patriots vs. Falcons
Any time Edelman's legacy is mentioned, his incredible catch in Super Bowl LI will be the first moment that gets brought up. To this day, the legendary grab doesn't even seem physically possible.
The catch came on the game-tying drive of the Patriots' historic 28-3 comeback. Tom Brady's pass appeared to be broken up until Edelman dove and miraculously managed to hold on for the reception. New England went on to force overtime, then complete the comeback on a James White touchdown.
January 20, 2019: Patriots at Chiefs
Another one of Edelman's most clutch playoff performances. Brady's favorite third-down target came through two huge third-down conversions in overtime to propel the Patriots to a thrilling 37-31 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. He finished with seven catches for 96 yards.
New England went on to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
February 3, 2019: Patriots vs. Rams
Edelman was one of the very few bright spots for the Patriots offense in what was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. He finished with a game-high 10 receptions and 141 yards en route to earning the Super Bowl MVP award. New England edged out L.A. by a score of 13-3.
