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.
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.
