For a decade, quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Julian Edelman formed a dangerous duo for the New England Patriots. They each had a chip on their shoulder from being underestimated, which only increased their on-field chemistry.
Brady was the best player in the 2000 draft, and every team in the league passed him up round after round until the Patriots took a chance on the Michigan quarterback in the sixth round.
Edelman also found himself left waiting, even longer than Brady waited. The Patriots took him in the seventh round in 2009. The two hit it off immediately, so it is no wonder that Brady got emotional when he learned that Edleman was being given a distinguished honor.
Julian Edelman Enters Patriots Hall of Fame as Tom Brady Shares His Support
Recently, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that Edelman was being honored with an induction into the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
The news understandably made Edelman’s father, Frank Edelman, emotional, but he wasn’t the only one. Brady shared how happy he is for his former teammate on his Instagram account.
“Legend,” said Brady on a photo of Edelman’s Hall of Fame announcement with a winky face emoji. “Congratulations bubs.”
Edelman is still waiting to hear if and when he will make it to Canton. He retired at the end of the 2020 season, so his five-year waiting period has passed. Brady seems to think Edelman deserves a bust among the other G.O.A.T.s, but he will have to wait to see if the selection committee agrees.
Brady’s Go-To Guy: Edelman’s Clutch Legacy Outshines His Stats
Edelman and Brady won three Super Bowls together, and Edelman was the MVP of Super Bowl 53 when they beat the Los Angeles Rams in a low-scoring affair. He was Brady’s top target with 10 receptions for 141 yards.
He wasn’t the receiver who racked up the most yards or touchdowns, but he was reliable, and Brady could always count on him to be there. During 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2019, he placed in the top ten for receptions in the league.
During his 11 seasons (he missed all of 2017 with a torn ACL), Edelman amassed 6,822 yards on 620 receptions and had 36 touchdowns.
Despite being one of Brady’s favorite weapons, Edleman was never selected to be an All-Pro or to attend a Pro Bowl.
Brady left the Patriots after the 2019 season to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Edelman stayed behind for a season. His final season in New England, 2020, was one of his worst statistical seasons since becoming a full-time starter. He retired after that season.