Bill Belichick released a heartfelt statement on Julian Edelman’s ‘historic’ NFL career

Bill Belichick had high praise for Julian Edelman.

Julian Edelman announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday night, shortly after news broke that the Patriots had released the wide receiver who spent all 12 of his years in the NFL with New England.

While fans speculated about that news meaning he’d end up in Tampa Bay with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, Edelman made it clear in his retirement video that the knee injury he suffered last year will not allow him to play football again.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick released a statement on Edelman’s career, saying he’s a part of a historic group and that he only got bigger in the bigger games and biggest moments. Edelman won three Super Bowls during his career.

Here’s Belichick’s statement, via Patriots.com:

“By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all,” said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. “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.”

That’s some pretty high praise from Belichick, and rightfully so considering all that Edelman did during his career.

Here’s his retirement video:

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