Category: Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman tells feel-good story about Randy Moss

Julian Edelman recalled Randy Moss sliding him money, when he was still a rookie trying to make the team

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss was able to lend a helping hand to Julian Edelman, back when he was still earning his stripes as a rookie.

Edelman had to buy lunches for the entire receiver group to fulfill the ongoing rookie tradition. Moss knew the rookie was struggling financially, and he stepped up to help.

Edelman recalled the story on the “Let’s Go!” Podcast earlier this week.

“Randy was a guy, yeah he gave you tough love, but when people weren’t watching and when we were by ourself, Randy would always love me up. Because he knew I was battling mentally through the struggles of trying to make this crazy team,” said Edelman. “As the rookie receiver of the room, I’d have to go and buy the lunches, and he knew I didn’t have much money. And he’d always slide me a couple hundred bucks.

“Randy was kind of like that older brother for me that always looked out, but in front of everyone, he had to let them know, ‘I’m not giving him no treatment.’ But that was part of the game for entering the Patriots that year. So I’m very thankful for having Randy and Tom [Brady].”

Edelman had an impactful season as a rookie in 2009. He tallied 37 catches for 359 yards and a touchdown, setting the stage for what would be a productive career.

Moss ended up becoming one of the Patriots’ most prolific offensive weapons in his short time in New England. However, stories like the one Edelman shared is proof of the impact that Moss made off the field as well.

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Julian Edelman gives strong endorsement of Patriots coach Jerod Mayo

Julian Edelman gives a strong vote of confidence to Jerod Mayo

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had high praise for new Patriots coach Jerod Mayo in a conversation with Colin Cowherd, when appearing on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”.

Mayo and Edelman overlapped as Patriots teammates from 2009-2015. They were able to compete for multiple championships and win Super Bowl XLIX together.

Now, both have hung up the cleats, and Mayo is about to embark on his first head coaching venture with the hope of reshaping the Patriots franchise, which hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2021.

Edelman spoke highly of Mayo’s leadership abilities and illustrated why the former linebacker might be the perfect candidate to get the Patriots organization back on track.

“Jerod was an instant, from the day I met him, a leader,” said Edelman. “Smartest guy on the defensive side of the ball. There was [Mike] Vrabel. I never played with Vrabel, that everyone said, ‘This guy’s a genius’. And then there was Mayo. X’s and O’s, the guy knew everything. He was always in the film room..

“I remember, when I had to go and play defense in 2011. I would know my assignment, but before every single play, Jerod would be dictating, talking to the defensive line and looking back over at the secondary, guys getting the check in call, getting the right play in call for the defense on that specific play. And I would look over and go, ‘Hey, Jerod. It’s Cover-5, I’ve got inside technique’. [And he would say], ‘Yeah, you’ve got inside technique’. So he’s coaching me up. I just needed his justification because if Jerod said it, you knew it was right. And that’s the kind of guy Jerod is.”

Mayo will have his hands full when attempting to turn things around for a Patriots team that finished 4-13 in 2023. Nevertheless, the strong endorsement from Edelman certainly carries weight to it.

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Julian Edelman details impact Bill Belichick had on his NFL career

Julian Edelman hopes Bill Belichick breaks Don Schula’s record

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman sang the praises of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who recently interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job.

Edelman was the classic example of a Belichick success story. He was taken by the Patriots as a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft. The former Kent State quarterback made the move to wide receiver early in his career and had a productive career that included 6,822 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Patriots.

Edelman spoke on a recent episode of the “Let’s Go!” Podcast and discussed his time playing in New England. He made sure to give props to Belichick while doing so, as transcribed by WEEI’s Mike Kadlick.

“Yeah, he was tough. Yeah, you hated him. Yes, he was a [expletive]. But he made you better,” said Edelman. “He coached everyone a little different because he felt certain people needed certain things to make them play better. And I was one— I was in that category where, you know, you didn’t get that love.

“It was like the better you did, the more shade he would give you just to show the other 53 guys… I love coach. I wish him the best. I hope he gets the record so I can put on my resume that I played with the best receiver of all time (Randy Moss), the best quarterback of all time (Tom Brady), and I played with the best football coach of all time.”

Edelman became one of the best slot receivers in Patriots’ history. He embraced the challenge of a positional shift and ended up being better from Belichick’s decision.

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Julian Edelman asks burning question following Patriots win over Bills

Julian Edelman only had one question after the Patriots upset the Bills

Every New England Patriots fan is still celebrating after the team’s 29-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills. It was New England’s first victory over Buffalo since 2021, and only the second win against the Bills this decade.

Former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had a solid career against the Bills. He recorded 69 catches for 674 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. His best game came back in October 2018, when he recorded 10 catches for 104 yards and had two rushing attempts for 13 yards.

Edelman was fired up on Twitter Sunday afternoon, as New England recorded their second win of the season. He only had one question after the game: “Are we back?”

The Patriots still have a long ways to go. However, beating a division rival and a likely playoff contender is certainly a good starting point.

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Julian Edelman admits being in tears after first dust-up with Tom Brady

Julian Edelman recalled a memory when Tom Brady made him cry.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had several memories with Tom Brady, including one that involved Brady making him cry.

On the “Games with Names” podcast, Edelman talked about some memories with the legendary quarterback. However, there was one memory in particular that really stuck out to him. He was a rookie wide receiver in 2009 and wanted to make a good impression on one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Let’s just say a strong impression did not exactly come right away. He recalled the incident during an appearance on the podcast.

“My first pass ever from Tom, they put in a package with four receivers—a four-wide group—and they gave me a play. I had never played receiver, but they created a package for me and they’re like, ‘All right, Edelman, get in,'” said Edelman. “I run, like, a hook route and Tom darts it on me, and I tried to run before I had it because, you know, I wanted to do something with it. I dropped the ball. He goes, ‘Catch the (expletive) ball, Julian!’ I went home and cried. I felt pretty (expletive) for like four days. It took me so long to earn his trust after that (expletive) play. It took me like three years to earn his trust. Dog house, not even a paw out.”

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This is certainly a bit comical to think about, given that Edelman would have several key catches in big moments.

The catch against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI immediately comes to mind, particularly with it being such a defining moment in that game. Sometimes, however, it’s the plays that you don’t make that stick out the most.

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Julian Edelman has confidence in Patriots for one particular reason

Julian Edelman believes the Patriots are on the verge of a turnaround year.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman seems bullish about his former team’s chances in the 2023 season. The wide receiver has one reason in particular for the projected turnaround: Bill O’Brien.

Edelman is a fan of O’Brien’s. The wide receiver played under the offensive coach for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. O’Brien was named the Patriots offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach last week, and several within the organization approved of the move.

New England is looking to return to the playoffs, after missing out on postseason play in two out of the last three seasons. The Patriots underwent several coaching changes this offseason so far, including keeping Jerod Mayo and adding O’Brien.  Edelman noted O’Brien could be the key for success, as he told NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Giles on Tuesday.

“He’s a tough coach,” said Edelman. “He’s going to tell you how he sees it. But the thing that I like about Billy O is it’s going to allow Coach Belichick to really focus on everything else on the team. It felt like little things were slipping away this last year, little details that you always see — special teams, situational-type football, a lot of brain farts.

“So Billy O being there, it allows Bill to kind of sit there and say, ‘Alright, I know what Billy O is. He’s a former head coach. I can bounce ideas off of him.’ But [Belichick] can think of the macro now. He can focus on the macro, and that’s why Bill’s the best, because he can usually do that. I think he had his foot in it last year and it was taking him away from those little things here and there.”

The Patriots struggled in several critical areas last season, in particular special teams. The two special teams touchdowns given up to the Buffalo Bills in the regular season finale were alarming and crucial to the outcome of the game.

The product on the field remains to be seen . However, the positive reaction to O’Brien’s hire is certainly noteworthy, as the team enters a crucial 2023 season.

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Julian Edelman explains harsh criticism of Mac Jones during 2022 season

Julian Edelman explained his criticism of Mac Jones during a recent interview.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman explained his criticism of Mac Jones.

Edelman ripped Jones for his show of emotion during the Las Vegas Raiders game back in December. He explained an unwritten prerequisite for quarterbacks and why he was so hard on Jones, when appearing on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Keagan Stiefel.

“He’s a good kid, but you see people and who they really are when (expletive) is hitting the fan and you can’t do that as a quarterback,” said Edelman. “He’s a young guy and his situation that he was in — I’m not saying it was an easy situation, especially having Matty P calling plays. But everyone is watching you when you’re the quarterback. There’s something to be said about that, and there’s a standard. There’s rules.

“Don’t come at me saying, ‘Oh, well Brady,’ Brady had like three Super Bowls when (expletive) showed up a coach for one — for the first time. Not showed up a coach, but he got into an argument with someone and showed emotion. You can’t do that, especially when you’re still trying to learn who you are.”

Jones finished the season with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

The quarterback played better during the second half of the season, but his on-field troubles still persisted. He finished with 243 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in the season finale loss to the Buffalo Bills.

This offseason could be different, as the Patriots now have an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in Bill O’Brien. The quarterback is entering a critical third year for a Patriots team looking to become viable AFC contenders once again.

Edelman might have a point about the on-field behavior, as Jones continues to progress through his career and leads the offense. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on him as the de facto face of the franchise and a former first-round draft pick.

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Julian Edelman revealed some of Bill Belichick’s biggest motivational tactics

Julian Edelman revealed one of Bill Belichick’s biggest motivational tactics before games.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was a key part of the Patriots for several years. During that time, he got to witness some motivational tactics from coach Bill Belichick.

Edelman was part of a successful Patriots run, that saw the team reach the playoffs in 11 out of the receiver’s 12 seasons.

He played at a high level when January football came around, recording 118 receptions for 1,442 yards and five touchdowns in 19 playoff games. His best playoff run came in 2018, when he recorded 26 catches for 388 yards.

Edelman recently appeared on the “Pardon My Take” podcast and broke down some of the tactics Belichick used to motivate players, as transcribed by  WEEI’s Alex Reimer.

“He would give us highlight clips, like a cut-up of old situations of that same situation. Or old games of that game,” said Edelman. “Like, not even Patriots [expletive]. He would show us New York Giants. Like, ‘This is how you do it. Watch [Lawrence Taylor!]’

Not only that, the coach used to run down the list of every player in the organization and give them a mini-motivational pep talk.

“He would bring in all these clips and give a breakdown and then he would have a speech. He would point guys out like, ‘Matthew Slater, no one ever wanted you. You weren’t even supposed to be drafted,’” said Edelman.

The pregame hype by Belichick must have worked, given the success of the Patriots teams in the early 2000s and mid-2010s. One has to wonder if Belichick will continue this, as the Patriots look to get back into the top tier of the AFC.

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Julian Edelman has all but determined his future in NFL

Julian Edelman gives a definitive answer on his playing career.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman confirmed he will not be returning to the NFL.

Edelman played 11 seasons in the league and finished his career with 620 catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. He was a major part of the New England offense throughout the course of his career and finished with a 1,000-yard season as recently as 2019.

The Kent State product battled injuries in 2020 and ended his final season with only 21 catches for 315 yards. Film sessions were a big reason why he retired, and he doesn’t plan on making a comeback.

He put the nail in the coffin of his NFL career during an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast Friday, as transcribed by Zack Cox of NESN.com.

“I’m done, boys,” said Edelman. “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… “

Knee injuries were a big reason why the wide receiver retired in 2021. Nevertheless, he will have several moments in Patriots history that will be remembered, in what was a storied career.

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Julian Edelman didn’t hold back in criticism of Mac Jones

Julian Edelman was blunt in his criticism of Mac Jones.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman did not mince words when talking about Patriots quarterback Mac Jones’ emotions through the past couple of games.

Jones has been getting more animated on the field, which is something Patriots legends and fans have noticed alike. The quarterback has endured his fair share of criticism over the last week, as the Patriots limp to the finish line of the 2022 regular season.

Edelman added his own thoughts to the topic and didn’t hold back. Jones has struggled this season, throwing only seven touchdowns to eight interceptions. On Sunday, he received worldwide attention for failing to tackle Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones, as the latter returned an interception for a touchdown.

Edelman appeared on Inside the NFL on Tuesday.  He gave a passionate take on the interception play, as well as Jones’ behavior overall, as transcribed by Dakota Randall of NESN.com.

“Season’s on the line,” Edelman said on the latest Inside the NFL episode. “… You’ve gotta trip him. …He doesn’t practice all the antics after plays, and waving off coaches and all these little pissy faces and stuff. He doesn’t practice that and he does it. Why can’t he make the tackle?”

Jones will look for a bounce-back game on Saturday, when New England takes on the Cincinnati Bengals. The quarterback as well as the rest of the offense will have to be firing on all cylinders with playoff probabilities narrowing.

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