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, all with the New England Patriots. Drafted in the seventh round in 2009, he initially served as a return specialist before transitioning to wide receiver, eventually becoming a key offensive player starting in 2013. He played college football as a quarterback at Kent State. Edelman was a consistent presence in the Patriots' receiving group until his retirement after the 2020 season.

Sections (4)

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

2004: Senior Year at Woodside High School

In 2004, during his senior year at Woodside High School, Julian Edelman led the Wildcats to a 13-0 record as their quarterback. He had impressive stats, throwing for 2,237 yards and 29 touchdowns, and rushing for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns.

July 16, 2009: Signed Contract with Patriots

On July 16, 2009, Julian Edelman signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots, including a signing bonus. He had prepared to play positions other than quarterback, and also received an offer from the BC Lions to play quarterback.

August 13, 2009: Preseason Punt Return

On August 13, 2009, in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Julian Edelman returned a punt 75 yards. This performance contributed to him making the team over Greg Lewis.

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 college quarterback to return specialist and wide receiver.

2009: Pro Day Performance

In 2009, during his Pro Day, Julian Edelman ran the short shuttle in 3.92 seconds, which was faster than the fastest time at that year's NFL Combine.

2010: Increased Playing Time and Punt Return Touchdown

In the 2010 NFL season, Julian Edelman saw limited playing time until Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins. With key players inactive, Edelman had three receptions for 72 yards and a 94-yard punt return touchdown. This was the first punt return touchdown by a Patriot in the regular season since 2001 and the longest in Patriots history, eclipsing an 89-yard return from 1976.

2011: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

During Week 11 of the 2011 season, on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, Julian Edelman played defensive back and returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown. This earned him his first AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

2011: Played as a Defensive Back

During the 2011 season, Julian Edelman was primarily used as a kick and punt returner. However, in Week 10 against the New York Jets, due to injuries in the Patriots' secondary, he played as a defensive back during the fourth quarter and made his first tackle on defense.

2012: Free Agency

After the 2012 season, Julian Edelman became a free agent.

2012: Increased Snap Count, Punt Return Touchdowns

In the 2012 season, Julian Edelman's snap count increased. In Week 11, he had a strong game with five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown, 47 rushing yards, and a 68-yard punt return touchdown, tying the Patriots' franchise mark with three punt return touchdowns. He had 105 yards of total offense and 222 all-purpose yards with two touchdowns.

2012: Multiple Touchdowns on Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day in 2012, Julian Edelman scored two touchdowns in the second quarter against the New York Jets, contributing to a franchise record of five touchdowns and 35 points in one quarter. He had a fumble recovery, a 22-yard return on a kickoff, and a 56-yard touchdown reception. He became the first player since the AFL-NFL merger with both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in consecutive games. He broke his right foot later in the season.

April 10, 2013: Re-signed with New England Patriots

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

2013: Season Opener Touchdowns and Punt Return Record

During the 2013 season opener, Julian Edelman scored both of New England's touchdowns in a victory over the Buffalo Bills. He became the NFL's all-time leader in career punt return average, surpassing George McAfee, though his average soon dropped below the record.

2013: Primary Offensive Starter

In 2013, Julian Edelman became a primary offensive starter for the New England Patriots, solidifying his role in their receiving corps.

2013: Breakout Season

In 2013, Julian Edelman had a breakout season. He caught nine passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback victory over the Denver Broncos. By Week 17, he became the third Patriots player to catch over 100 passes in a season, finishing the season with 105 receptions for 1,056 yards.

March 15, 2014: Re-signed with the Patriots

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

2014: Punt Return Touchdown Record

In 2014, Julian Edelman had 92 receptions for 972 yards and four touchdowns. During Week 9, he returned a punt 84 yards for his fourth career return touchdown, surpassing Troy Brown for the most punt return touchdowns in Patriots history.

2015: Foot Injury and Return

In 2015, during a game against the New York Giants on November 15, Julian Edelman suffered a foot injury that required surgery. He returned for the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing significantly to the Patriots' victory. For his efforts in 2015, Edelman was ranked 87th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2015: Super Bowl XLIX Performance

In Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 against the Seattle Seahawks, Julian Edelman led all receivers in yardage with 109 yards on nine receptions, including a crucial go-ahead touchdown. He was also ranked 91st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

June 8, 2017: Contract Extension with Patriots

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

November 4, 2018: Israeli Flag Hat

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

2018: Documentary About Edelman

In 2018, Edelman participated in the NFL season.

May 21, 2019: Contract Extension

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

2019: Edelman's 2019 Season

During the 2019 season, Edelman achieved 100 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 30 yards, and rushed twice for 12 yards and a touchdown during the Wild Card Round against the Tennessee Titans.

October 25, 2020: Final Game

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

January 1, 2021: Edelman Not Activated

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

April 12, 2021: Edelman Announces Retirement

On April 12, 2021, Julian Edelman announced his retirement after 12 seasons with the Patriots, receiving praise from Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.

April 2021: Development Deal with ViacomCBS

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+.

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