Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Julian Edelman

Discover the career path of Julian Edelman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Julian Edelman is a retired American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots. Drafted in the seventh round in 2009, he transitioned from college quarterback to a successful NFL receiver and return specialist. He became a key offensive player for the Patriots starting in 2013 and remained a core member of the team until his retirement after the 2020 season.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 16, 2009: Signing with the Patriots

On July 16, 2009, Julian Edelman signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots, which included a $48,700 signing bonus.

August 13, 2009: Preseason Punt Return

On August 13, 2009, during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Julian Edelman returned a punt for 75 yards, which helped him secure a spot on the Patriots' team.

2009: Drafted by the Patriots

In 2009, Julian Edelman was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the NFL draft. He transitioned from a quarterback to a return specialist and wide receiver.

2009: Pro Day Performance

In 2009, at his Pro Day on March 12, Julian Edelman ran the short shuttle in 3.92 seconds, a faster time than any recorded at the NFL Combine that year.

2010: Increased playing time and TD

During the 2010 season, Julian Edelman saw a decrease in playing time, but capitalized on an opportunity in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins with a 94-yard punt return touchdown, the longest in Patriots history.

2011: Playing as Defensive Back

During the 2011 season, in Week 10 against the New York Jets, Julian Edelman was pressed into service as a defensive back due to injuries in the Patriots' secondary.

2011: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

During the 2011 season, in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Julian Edelman earned his first AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award after returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown.

2012: Becoming a free agent

After the 2012 season, Edelman became a free agent.

2012: Thanksgiving Game Performance

During the 2012 season, on Thanksgiving Day, Julian Edelman scored two touchdowns in the Patriots' victory over the New York Jets, becoming the first player since the AFL-NFL merger with both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in consecutive games.

2012: Increased Snap Count and Franchise Mark

In the 2012 season, Julian Edelman saw an increased snap count and tied the Patriots franchise mark with three punt return touchdowns.

April 10, 2013: Resigning with New England

On April 10, 2013, Julian Edelman re-signed with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal.

2013: Season Opener and NFL Leader

During the 2013 season opener, Julian Edelman scored both of New England's touchdowns and became the NFL's all-time leader in career punt return average.

2013: Becoming a Primary Offensive Starter

In 2013, Julian Edelman became a primary offensive starter for the New England Patriots, becoming a key player in their receiving corps.

2013: Breakout Season

The 2013 season became a breakout year for Edelman, with significant contributions in receiving yards and punt returns.

March 15, 2014: Re-signing with the Patriots

On March 15, 2014, Julian Edelman re-signed with the Patriots on a four-year deal for $17 million.

2014: Most Punt Return Touchdowns in Patriots History

In 2014, Julian Edelman surpassed Troy Brown for the most punt return touchdowns in Patriots history, with a punt return of 84 yards. He also scored a 69-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers.

2014: Edelman Wears Israeli-American Flag Pin

In 2014, Julian Edelman wore an Israeli-American flag pin on his hat during a game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium.

2015: Super Bowl XLIX

In 2015, during Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, Julian Edelman led all receivers with 109 receiving yards and scored the final go-ahead touchdown.

June 8, 2017: Signs Contract Extension

On June 8, 2017, Julian Edelman signed a two-year, $11 million contract extension with the Patriots, including $9 million guaranteed through the 2019 season.

November 4, 2018: Edelman Wears Israeli Flag Hat after Patriots' Victory

On November 4, 2018, following the Patriots' victory over the Green Bay Packers, Julian Edelman wore an Israeli flag hat in support of the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

2018: Hall of Fame Debate

Julian Edelman's performance in the 2018 playoffs led to debate about inducting him into the Hall of Fame despite a relative lack of regular season production.

2018: Featured in 100% Showtime Documentary

The 2018 NFL season and Julian Edelman's recovery from an ACL tear was documented in the 2019 Showtime documentary 100%.

May 21, 2019: Signs Contract Extension with Patriots

On May 21, 2019, Julian Edelman signed a two-year, $18 million contract extension with the Patriots, including $12 million guaranteed, which kept him under contract through the 2021 season.

2019: 100 Receptions on the Season

During the 2019 season, Julian Edelman reached 100 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns, achieving 100 receptions in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

2019: Co-founds Nuthouse Sports

In 2019, Julian Edelman co-founded a production company, Nuthouse Sports (formerly Coast Productions), with Assaf Swissa.

2019: Guaranteed Contract Through 2019 Season

Julian Edelman's two-year contract extension signed on June 8, 2017 included $9 million guaranteed through the 2019 season.

October 25, 2020: Edelman Plays Final Game

On October 25, 2020, Julian Edelman played his final game, which was a 33–6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the game with a 13-yard reception.

2020: Retirement after the 2020 Season

After the 2020 season, Julian Edelman retired from professional football after playing 12 seasons with the New England Patriots.

January 1, 2021: Edelman Will Not Be Activated Before Season End

On January 1, 2021, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced that Julian Edelman would not be activated from injured reserve before the end of the season.

April 12, 2021: Edelman Announces Retirement

On April 12, 2021, Julian Edelman announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons with the Patriots, following the team's decision to end his contract due to a failed physical.

April 2021: ViacomCBS signs deal with Coast Productions

In April 2021, after Edelman's retirement, ViacomCBS signed a multi-year development deal with Coast Productions, and Edelman joined Inside the NFL as an analyst as it moved to Paramount+.

2021: Under Contract Through 2021 Season

Julian Edelman was under contract with the Patriots through the 2021 season.

2022: Edelman Nominated for Sports Emmy

Julian Edelman was nominated for a Sports Emmy in 2022 for his first season on Inside the NFL.

October 15, 2024: Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules Podcast Debuts

On October 15, 2024, the “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules” podcast debuted as the first production by Nuthouse Sports, a partnership between Julian Edelman, Assaf Swissa, and Rob Gronkowski.

October 2024: Edelman and Swissa Partner with Rob Gronkowski on Nuthouse Sports

In October 2024, Julian Edelman and Assaf Swissa partnered with Rob Gronkowski on the entertainment studio, Nuthouse Sports. Their first production was the “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules” podcast.