Scott Logush
Sports Editor
Ever since former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski came out of retirement to play with Tom Brady, many fans have been speculating about whether that same path was in the cards for longtime Patriots wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman. The receiver has finally put all speculation to rest on a recent episode of Pardon My Take.
Edelman was asked if he would consider coming out of retirement to reunite with Tom Brady next season, and said the following:
I’m done, boys. You can’t be two years out of the game coming in at 37 with knee braces and taped ankles thinking you’re going to go out here and compete against these young bucks. … I’ve definitely got, like, seven, eight plays a game, but…
Julian Edelman via Pardon My Take.
Although this may sound disappointing to Patriots fans across the country, it makes sense. Edelman was dominantly a slot receiver, playing over half of his career snaps from the slot. He was never the most productive wide receiver with only three seasons of over 1000 yards and only two with over 100 catches. He was a consistent chain mover with a yards-per-catch average of 11 for his career.
Edelman always showed up in big moments and has quite the postseason career because of it. He is third all-time in postseason catches with 118, and Travis Kelce recently passed him in Kansas City’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022-2023 AFC Divisional round and is narrowly holding onto second all-time in postseason receiving yards with 1,442 as Travis Kelce is right behind him. Edelman has many moments to point to, with his Super Bowl MVP against the Rams and ridiculous circus catch against the Falcons highlighting the bunch. If Brady and the Patriots needed a play, Edelman was always ready to deliver.
Edelman’s playing career in the NFL is officially closed and will remain that way. It was a great, improbable career for the former quarterback out of Kent State that shows just how far flexibility and hard work can accomplish. An induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame is almost a lock.
