Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft share statements on Julian Edelman’s retirement

After 11 unforgettable seasons with the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman officially announced his retirement.

He went from a seventh round quarterback to one of the greatest postseason receivers in NFL history. The 34-year-old collected three Super Bowl wins and Super Bowl MVP with 620 receptions, 6,822 yards and 41 touchdowns during his career. He has the second-most receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,422) in the Super Bowl era behind Jerry Rice.

Edelman was the definition of the ‘Patriots Way’ and he earned that praise from Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. The legendary coach and Patriots owner released statements on Edelman shortly after his retirement.

“By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career — wins, championships, production — Julian has it all,” Belichick said. “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.”

“There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before,” Kraft said. “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.”

The Patriots’ locker room will have a huge void to fill with his absence.

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