Childhood and Education Journey of Julian Edelman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Julian Edelman. From birth to education, explore key events.

Julian Edelman is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the NFL, all with the New England Patriots. After playing quarterback at Kent State, he was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft. He transitioned to wide receiver and return specialist. Becoming a key offensive player in 2013, 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

May 22, 1986: Julian Edelman Born

On May 22, 1986, Julian Francis Edelman was born. He is an American former professional football wide receiver.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Broke School Record

While at Kent State University, before the 2003 season, Julian Edelman broke Joshua Cribbs's single-season school record for total offense. He was a three-year starter at quarterback.

2004: Led Wildcats to Undefeated Season

In 2004, as a senior at Woodside High School, Julian Edelman led the Wildcats to a 13-0 record, throwing for 2,237 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also rushing for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns.

December 2013: Edelman Discusses Jewish Heritage

In December 2013, during an NFL Network interview, Julian Edelman stated he was Jewish and celebrated Hanukkah, marking what he described as a "Jewish awakening".

December 2013: Identifies as Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah

In December 2013, during an NFL Network interview, Julian Edelman stated that he identifies as Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah, becoming "more attuned to the religion and history."

2014: Wore 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: Puma advertisement campaign and Grammy appearance

In 2015, Julian Edelman appeared in a Puma advertisement campaign. He also presented at the Grammy Awards with teammate Malcolm Butler.

2016: Published Children's Book Flying High

In 2016, Julian Edelman became one of three Patriots to publish a children's book. His book, "Flying High", is about a squirrel named Jules who learns to overcome his physical limitations through hard work and the assistance of a goat named Tom.

Flying High

Check it on Amazon

October 24, 2017: Publication of Memoir Relentless

On October 24, 2017, Julian Edelman's memoir, "Relentless", written with Tom E. Curran, was published by Hachette Book Group.

Relentless: A Memoir

Check it on Amazon

December 2017: Flying High 2 released

In December 2017, Julian Edelman released a sequel to his children's book, Flying High 2, which was loosely based on his "greatest Super Bowl catch" against the Atlanta Falcons.

Flying High 2

Check it on Amazon

2017: Edelman's ACL tear

In 2017, Julian Edelman suffered an ACL tear, which was later documented in the 2019 Showtime documentary "100%".

2017: NFL Going Global: Edelman & Amendola special

In 2017, Julian Edelman, along with teammate Danny Amendola, was featured in a 30-minute NFL Network special, "NFL Going Global: Edelman & Amendola", which chronicled their promotional trip to Mexico City before the Patriots' game there.

November 4, 2018: Wore Israeli flag hat after victory

On November 4, 2018, Julian Edelman wore an Israeli flag hat following the Patriots' victory over the Green Bay Packers.

2018: Edelman's 2018 NFL season

In 2018, Julian Edelman's NFL season was later documented in the 2019 Showtime documentary "100%".

2019: Co-founded Nuthouse Sports and released 100% documentary

In 2019, Julian Edelman co-founded a production company, Nuthouse Sports, and their first venture was the 2019 Showtime documentary "100%", about Edelman's recovery from a 2017 ACL tear and the 2018 NFL season.

2019: Grammy appearance

In 2019, Julian Edelman presented at the Grammy Awards with teammate Devin McCourty.

2019: Fatherhood detailed in Haute Living interview

In 2019, in an interview with the magazine Haute Living, Julian Edelman detailed how challenging and rewarding he found being a father, explaining that fatherhood had changed his view of life.

April 2021: ViacomCBS deal and Inside the NFL analyst

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.

August 2022: Co-hosting Games with Names podcast

In August 2022, Julian Edelman along with comedian Sam Morril began co-hosting an iHeartMedia podcast, "Games with Names".

November 25, 2022: A Football Life episode about Edelman aired

On November 25, 2022, the NFL Network documentary series "A Football Life" aired an episode about Julian Edelman, highlighting his career and life.

2023: Continued hosting Games with Names podcast

In 2023, Julian Edelman continued to host the show "Games with Names" by himself after Sam Morril left the podcast.

October 15, 2024: Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules podcast debuted

On October 15, 2024, the “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules” podcast, a production of Nuthouse Sports, debuted.

October 2024: Partnership with Rob Gronkowski on Nuthouse Sports and Dudes on Dudes podcast

In October 2024, Julian Edelman and Assaf Swissa partnered with Rob Gronkowski on Nuthouse Sports. Their first production together was the podcast “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules” which debuted on October 15, 2024.