Julian Edelman, because of his hard-nosed style, noted work ethic, ability to overcome physical limitations, and clutch performances, is one of the most beloved and successful Patriots in team history. His recent retirement announcement is call to reminisce and celebrate his 11 year career. While Edelman is certainly featured in exhibits throughout The Hall, including the Super Bowl Experience presented by Raytheon Technologies exhibit, he also is now celebrated in a display in the Grand Hall.
From his rookie punt returner phase, to the long-haired pass-catching machine, to the bearded monster that took over a Super Bowl, Edelman managed to make his presence felt. Our Edelman display celebrates his career through photos, game-used artifacts and a highlight video.
Forever New England, Julian Edelman Display
The display that lives in our Grand Hall captures some of the most iconic moments in Edelman’s career with the Patriots. Photos laid out on the table recognize some of his major accomplishments throughout his career – making his NFL debut in 2009, throwing his first touchdown pass, and catching his 600th career reception.
While many of our great Edelman artifacts can be found throughout the entire museum, we have a few items dedicated solely to our pop up display. A red throwback jersey that Edelman wore in two games during the 2010 season including the Thanksgiving victory over the Lions. A pair of Edelman’s cleats can also be found in the display, although they are not iconic for his receiving ability but more for his skill on defense. Bill Belichick featured Edelman as a defensive back for a few games during the 2011 season. Edelman’s game worn cleats from November 27, 2011 signify his versatility as he recorded 11 tackles that season.
Edelman’s personality and career cannot be contained to just photos and artifacts however. We have also included an 8 minute long tribute video that captures the best of Edelman on and off the field. His wacky personality and football dominance captured in one visual experience will pull at any Patriots fans heartstrings.
Future Hall of Famer Julian Edelman?
His retirement plans may be in question for now, but in four years he will be eligible for the Patriots Hall of Fame and the plush red jacket reserved for the franchise’s greatest players.
Three Patriots receivers – Gino Cappelletti (also a kicker), Stanley Morgan, and Troy Brown – have been enshrined in the team’s Hall of Fame. Edelman, and possibly Wes Welker, might be set to join that trio.
Edelman is currently ranked second in receptions with 620, behind only Welker (672) for the Patriots all-time lead. Welker has been eligible for the Patriots Hall of Fame for two years but has yet to make it into the final three.
Edelman is also fourth all-time in receiving yards with 6,822, behind Morgan (10,352) Rob Gronkowski (7,861), and Welker (7,459).
Edelman’s 36 touchdown receptions are ranked ninth on the all-time franchise list.
Edelman is also near the top of the punt returners lists. He ranks third in punt returns (177) and punt return yards (1,986), behind only Troy Brown and Irving Fryar. His 11.2 yards per return average ranks fourth in franchise history.
If his regular season stats aren’t enough to get him in a red jacket, the postseason is where he shined the brightest. Julian Edelman is arguably the second best postseason receiver in football history – behind just Jerry Rice. He is certainly the most productive statistically behind Rice.
In 19 postseason games, Edelman caught 118 passes – second to Rice’s 151 – and his 1,442 postseason receiving yards are second most in NFL history behind Rice.
He also added five touchdown receptions in postseason play, including what proved to be the game-winning score in a 28-24 Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seattle Seahawks.
So while The Hall celebrates his 11-year career today, it may do so in grand fashion four years from now.
