The Patriots have parted ways with Julian Edelman, releasing the veteran wide receiver after a failed physical. The move appears to be a precursor to likely retirement for the lifelong Patriot.
Assuming this is it, Edelman will undoubtedly go down as one of the best and most impactful Patriots of all time.
Here are 5 of Edelman’s best moments in his career:
5. First Career Punt Return For A Touchdown
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Not only was this Edelman’s first punt return for a touchdown, it was the longest punt return by any Patriot. Ever. This was the first time we saw the explosive speed Edelman possessed. This was the moment Patriots fans knew they had someone special lacing it up every week.
4. Edelman The Cornerback
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Random Highlight of the Day: That time Julian @Edelman11 played Cornerback for the @Patriots on their Superbowl run in 2011 and tackled Vince Young in the open field.
Edelman finished the season with 18 tackles, 13 solo, and 2 fumble recoveries. pic.twitter.com/qSa5V0TBHh
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 26, 2019
Since Julian didn’t have a set position coming into the NFL, Bill Belichick plugged him into any position he thought would fit. In 2011 Edelman saw some playing time as a cornerback. In a late November game against the Eagles, number 11 put the hit stick on Vince Young. He also makes a great open field tackle to prevent Young from rushing in a touchdown. Julian Edelman proved there’s nothing he can’t do on the football field.
3. Showing Off His Cannon Arm
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Every die hard Pats fan knows that Julian Edelman played quarterback at Kent State. Everyone knows that he was called “too short to play quarterback in the NFL.” This was him proving them wrong. Julian heaved the ball 51 yards down the field connecting with a wide open Danny Amendola for the game-tying score.
2. Historic Performance on November 18, 2012
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This game showed the world what Julian Edelman was all about. We saw his first career punt return at #5, now we look back at his effort in 2012 against the Colts. Edelman proved he could do more than just return punts. His final line was 5 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, 1 rush for 47 yards, a forced fumble, and punt return for a touchdown. These are the games a late round draft pick prays for. This is the first glimpse of an amazing career on the Patriots.
1. Super Bowl LI Catch
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This is one of the best catches in the Super Bowl era. If Edelman doesn’t make this play we don’t win this game. You could say that that’s not true and argue that since it was first down, it wasn’t do or die. I disagree. That catch kept the comeback flame alive. It gave the Pats the energy to finish strong. Some would call it destiny, I call it Julian Edelman being Julian Edelman.
