Tag: Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman took issue with Wes Welker’s comments on Bill Belichick

Julian Edelman called out his former teammate, Wes Welker, for Bill Belichick comments

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman took issue with his former teammate Wes Welker’s comments in “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” docuseries.

Edelman and Welker were teammates from 2009-2012. Welker had an incredible run in New England, recording 672 receptions for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns. Edelman took over Welker’s role when he left for the Denver Broncos in 2013.

He made it clear on his “Games with Names” podcast on Tuesday that he still has love for Welker. However, he did have an issue with how Welker painted Bill Belichick, particularly in his suggestions of favoritism towards Aaron Hernandez, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Greg Dudek.

“Welker’s out here saying like Aaron Hernandez got away with murder — figurately speaking — at practice, that’s not even true,” Edelman said. “Welker painted the picture he was like the king, like he got to do anything. I remember Bill (expletive) Aaron all the time. Come on, Welk. Trying to make up stories. We know you don’t like Bill.”

The docuseries itself has certainly generated a lot of buzz and received plenty of backlash from several Patriots legends ever since its release. However, it seems for every criticism of Belichick, other Patriots players are standing up for the legendary coach.

WATCH: Nick Foles, Jalen Hurts among those congratulating Jason Kelce on retirement

Jalen Hurts, Nick Foles, Charles Barkley, Shaq, Jim Thome, and Joel Embiid were among those who congratulated Jason Kelce on retirement

Jason Kelce ended his 13-year NFL career on Monday, announcing his retirement in an emotional press conference that featured friends, family, and teammates.

The New Heights Podcast’s social media team released an emotional tribute video with Jalen Hurts and Nick Foles, among almost 20 video messages to Kelce to celebrate the moment and his accomplishments.

A sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce started and played in 193 games over his 13 seasons.

Jason Kelce is the fifth center in NFL history with at least six All-Pro selections. The other four — Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson, and Jim Ringo — are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski praise new Patriots coach Jerod Mayo: ‘He knew everything about everything’

Jerod Mayo may not have a lot of experience, but his former teammates detailed what he brings to the table in Foxborough.

The New England Patriots are about to embark on a new era in Foxborough.

After 24 seasons, 30 postseason wins and six Super Bowl titles, legendary head coach Bill Belichick and the franchise mutually agreed to part ways. New England moved quickly to name his successor, promoting inside linebackers coach and longtime former Patriots player Jerod Mayo.

It’s a big step up for Mayo, who is a relatively unknown name in the coaching ranks. After an eight-year NFL career, all of which was spent in New England, he began coaching inside linebackers for the team in 2019.

While Mayo, who is 37 years old, is fairly inexperienced, he got a ringing endorsement from a pair of his former teammates. Reflecting on playing with Mayo while in Las Vegas ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl with For The Win, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski had glowing things to say about Mayo, particularly his intelligence.

“Anytime you talk to Mayo, he was like one of the smartest guys talking. He knew everything about everything,” Edelman said. “Very relatable with guys, even though he was a captain… he made everyone feel comfortable. So I’m really excited for his opportunity coming along.”

Gronkowski concurred, praising his understanding of the game of football and ability to make adjustments on the fly.

“He’s very intellectual. The guy knows the game of football to the T,” Gronkowski said. “I remember playing versus him, and he’d make some mess-up on the field, but he knows how to make that adjustment just like that. And he was the captain of the defense, and every time I put my hand down, he was getting all the guys in place around him… because he knows what he’s doing, and he knows the game of football well.”

Edelman also called Mayo a “baller” on the field, while Gronkowski said he was “a beast” prior to dealing with injuries, which ultimately cut his career short in 2015.

Mayo has big shoes to fill, but based on his former teammates’ characterization, it’s clear New England landed a coach who embodies the attention to detail that led to one of the greatest dynasties the sport has ever seen under Belichick.

Watch our full interview with Edelman and Gronkowski here:

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Julian Edelman doesn’t believe Bill Belichick is done with football

Julian Edelman believes Bill Belichick will continue working, even if he isn’t hired by a team

Bill Belichick was not hired in this coaching cycle, but former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman told Colin Cowherd on Thursday that he can’t see it lasting long.

Belichick will not be on an NFL sideline for the first time since 1975. There was an opening before Thursday for the Washington Commanders’ head coaching position. However, the job went to former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and Belichick was officially left out in the cold.

But Edelman doesn’t think Belichick will rest on his laurels. In fact, he sees the former Patriots coach studying during his time off, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Tim Crowley.

“I can’t see him fishing,” Edelman told FS1’s Colin Cowherd on “The Herd” on Thursday. “I could see him watching football and keeping his mind going on it. I don’t think he’s done. He loves the game.”

It will certainly be different to see Bill Belichick not on an NFL sideline in 2024. He has been a mainstay in the NFL over the last five decades. But as former legendary NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski suggested, perhaps a one-year break could do Belichick some good.

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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 jokingly hints at Bill Belichick’s next destination

This Julian Edelman tease would make sense for Bill Belichick

Everyone is on Bill Belichick watch to see where the future Hall of Fame head coach lands next. Count former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman among the masses.

During an appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Tom Brady, Edelman jokingly teased at a potential option for the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.

“Did I just hear you say Belichick is going to the [Dallas] Cowboys?” Edelman said, jokingly.

It’s surreal to think Belichick would be coaching anywhere other than New England, but he’s determined to continue adding to his legacy by breaking Don Schula’s all-time wins record.

Joining a win-now team like the Cowboys would give him an opportunity to not only break Schula’s record, but he would also have a shot at winning another Super Bowl.

The Cowboys shockingly fell in defeat in the wild card round of the playoffs to the Green Bay Packers, and they could decide to move on from coach Mike McCarthy. They’ve finished each of their last five seasons with a 12-5 record with only one playoff win to show for it.

Perhaps a new set of eyes could finally steer them in the right direction, and who would be better at driving that ship than the greatest coach in NFL history?

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Rob Gronkowski doubles down on disdain for Colts

It’s safe to say Rob Gronkowski really does not like the Colts.

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski still does not like the Indianapolis Colts, even years after playing for the Patriots.

The tight end had a successful career against Indianapolis. He tallied 33 catches for 545 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games against the Colts. He recorded 123 yards in his final game against the team, while playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gronkowski already took a swipe at the team earlier this year, mocking the Colts for their complaints over Deflategate, when appearing on Julian Edelman’s podcast, “Games with Names”. New England won the game in question by a 45-7 margin back in 2015, sending them to the Super Bowl.

“Let me tell you, I do not like the Colts,” said Gronkowski, during an appearance on “Up & Adams”. “…They were hanging banners for winning a division. They were always a little cocky, always talked garbage when they played us, and we just romped ’em week in and week out every time we played them, especially in the playoffs.

“I don’t like the Colts. I always loved running up the score versus them. We dominated them in the pass game and in the run game as well, and we were dominating them so bad that they came up with that Deflategate B.S. because they needed an excuse why we were absolutely terrorizing them.”

It just goes to show that even after players hang up the cleats, the bad blood does not always subside.

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Super Bowl Champion Julian Edelman compares 2023 Browns to Super Bowl-winning 2012 Ravens

Julian Edelman see’s similarities between the Browns and 2012 Ravens

Quarterback Joe Flacco has revitalized the passing offense of the Cleveland Browns, and has fans excited for the playoff chase. While appearing on Pardon My Take, Super Bowl Champion Julian Edelman compared this year’s Browns team to the 2012 Baltimore Ravens team that won the Super Bowl with Flacco.

Edelman says that both teams have strong defenses and that Flacco has the ability now as he did then to take care of the ball and hit deep shots. He continues to say it would be a tough road and that he would need to clean up the turnovers for this team to have a chance to win it all.

It’s a little bit of a leap in the sense that Flacco didn’t throw a single interception during the 2012 playoff run and we will need to see him make it through one game without throwing one first. The Browns defense has also been terrible on the road but if they clean some things up this team could be dangerous in January.

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