History of Julian Edelman in Timeline
Julian Edelman, a former American football wide receiver, played 12 seasons in the NFL, all with the New England Patriots. Drafted in the seventh round in 2009, Edelman transitioned from college quarterback to NFL return specialist and wide receiver. He became a key offensive player for the Patriots starting in 2013 and remained a core member of the team's receiving group until his retirement after the 2020 season.
1976: Longest Punt Return
In 1976, Mike Haynes had an 89-yard punt return, which was the longest in Patriots franchise history until Julian Edelman's 94-yard return in 2010.
May 22, 1986: Julian Edelman Born
On May 22, 1986, Julian Francis Edelman was born. He later became a professional football wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
1995: David Sloan Scores Two Touchdowns
In 1995, David Sloan of the Detroit Lions became the first rookie since Julian Edelman to score two receiving touchdowns in a postseason game.
2001: Last Punt Return Touchdown
In 2001, before Edelman's punt return touchdown in 2010, the last punt return touchdown by a Patriot in the regular season was by Troy Brown against the Carolina Panthers.
2003: Broke School Record
During his time at Kent State University, Julian Edelman broke Joshua Cribbs's single-season school record for total offense in 2003.
2004: Led Wildcats to Undefeated Season
In 2004, as a senior in high school, Julian Edelman led the Woodside High School Wildcats to a 13-0 record as their quarterback.
2007: Wes Welker Joins Patriots
In 2007, Wes Welker joined the New England Patriots. In Week 2 against the New York Jets, it was the first game Wes Welker had missed since becoming a Patriot.
2007: Randy Moss Last Patriots Wide Receiver to Win Award Before Edelman
In 2016, Julian Edelman became the first Patriots wide receiver to receive the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award since Randy Moss in 2007.
July 16, 2009: Signed Patriots Contract
On July 16, 2009, Julian Edelman signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots, which included a $48,700 signing bonus. He focused on positions other than quarterback.
August 13, 2009: Made Patriots Team
On August 13, 2009, during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Julian Edelman returned a punt 75 yards, securing his place on the Patriots team.
2009: Pro Day Performance
In 2009, at his Pro Day, Julian Edelman ran the short shuttle in 3.92 seconds, a time faster than the fastest time recorded at the NFL Combine that year.
2009: Santonio Holmes Last Wide Receiver to Win Super Bowl MVP Before Edelman
In Super Bowl LIII in 2019, Julian Edelman became the first wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP since Santonio Holmes did so in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
2010: Season Stats
During the 2010 season, Julian Edelman played in 15 games with seven receptions for 86 yards and 321 return yards on 21 punt return opportunities, averaging a franchise record of 15.3 yards per return.
2010: Increased Playing Time and Touchdown
During the 2010 season, Julian Edelman saw limited playing time until Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, where he had three receptions for 72 yards and a 94-yard punt return touchdown. He averaged 15.3 yards per return, second in the league.
December 15, 2011: Charges Dropped
On December 15, 2011, prosecutors dropped all charges against Julian Edelman relating to indecent assault and battery. Prosecutors stated the physical contact was fleeting and did not meet the elements of any crime.
2011: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Award
During the 2011 season, Julian Edelman earned his first AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award after returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was also nominated for NFL's "Hardest Working Man" for his performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.
2011: Played as Defensive Back
During the 2011 season, Julian Edelman was pressed into service as a defensive back during the Patriots' Week 10 game against the New York Jets due to injuries. He made his first tackle on defense.
January 22, 2012: AFC Championship Game
On January 22, 2012, in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, Julian Edelman played both wide receiver and cornerback, forcing a fumble on the Ravens' final drive. The Patriots won the game but lost Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants.
2012: Became Free Agent
After the 2012 season, Julian Edelman became a free agent.
2012: Increased Snap Count
During the 2012 season, Julian Edelman's snap count increased. He also had one of the best games of his career against the Indianapolis Colts, with five receptions for 58 yards, a two-yard touchdown, 47 rushing yards, and a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown.
2012: Thanksgiving Day Touchdowns and Injury
During the 2012 season, on Thanksgiving Day, Julian Edelman scored two touchdowns against the New York Jets and 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 on December 2 and was placed on injured reserve.
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.
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, stating he has become more attuned to the religion and history.
December 2013: Declared Jewish Heritage
In December 2013, during an NFL Network interview, Julian Edelman stated that he was Jewish and celebrated Hanukkah, describing it as a "Jewish awakening".
2013: Breakout Season
2013 became a breakout season for Julian Edelman as he played in all 16 games making 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and 35 punt return opportunities for 374 yards. The Patriots won the AFC East.
2013: Season Opener Touchdowns
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.
2013: Primary Offensive Starter
In 2013, Julian Edelman became a primary offensive starter for the New England Patriots. This marked a significant point in his NFL career.
2013: Became Free Agent After 2013 Season
Julian Edelman became a free agent after the 2013 season.
March 15, 2014: Re-signed with Patriots
On March 15, 2014, Julian Edelman re-signed with the Patriots on a four-year deal for $17 million.
2014: Punt Return Touchdown and Passing Troy Brown
In 2014, Julian Edelman had a strong season with 92 receptions and 972 receiving yards. He returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, becoming the Patriots' all-time leader in punt return touchdowns, passing Troy Brown.
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.
November 16, 2015: Edelman undergoes foot surgery
On November 16, 2015, Julian Edelman underwent foot surgery to repair an injury to his fifth metatarsal suffered in a game against the New York Giants.
2015: Edelman makes Grammy Awards appearance and appears in Puma Campaign
In 2015, Julian Edelman presented at the Grammy Awards with teammate Malcolm Butler and appeared in a Puma advertisement campaign.
2015: NFL Top 100 Players of 2015
In 2015, Julian Edelman was ranked 91st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
July 2016: Paternity Suit Filed
In July 2016, Julian Edelman was named in a paternity suit filed by Swedish model Ella Rose, who claimed Edelman was the father of her unborn daughter, with whom he had a casual relationship.
September 15, 2016: Edelman Fined for Hit on Defenseless Player
On September 15, 2016, Julian Edelman was fined $26,309 for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on linebacker Deone Bucannon.
2016: Edelman ranked 87th in NFL Top 100
For his performance in 2015, Julian Edelman was ranked 87th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
2016: Edelman was teammates with Chris Long
In 2016, Julian Edelman played alongside Chris Long on the Patriots team.
2016: Edelman Publishes Children's Book, Flying High
In 2016, Julian Edelman published his first children's book, "Flying High", about a squirrel who overcomes limitations.
2016: Edelman dates Adriana Lima
Julian Edelman dated Adriana Lima on and off in 2016 and 2017.
June 8, 2017: Edelman signs contract extension with Patriots
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.
September 2, 2017: Edelman Placed on Injured Reserve After ACL Tear
On September 2, 2017, Julian Edelman was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions, ending his season.
October 24, 2017: Edelman's Memoir, Relentless, Published
On October 24, 2017, Julian Edelman's memoir, "Relentless", co-written with Tom E. Curran, was published by Hachette Book Group.
December 2017: Flying High 2 Released
In December 2017, Julian Edelman released "Flying High 2", a sequel loosely based on his Super Bowl catch against the Atlanta Falcons.
2017: Edelman ranked 71st in NFL Top 100
For his efforts in 2016, Julian Edelman was ranked 71st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
2017: NFL Going Global: Edelman & Amendola
In 2017, Julian Edelman was featured with Danny Amendola in a 30-minute NFL Network special, "NFL Going Global: Edelman & Amendola", chronicling their trip to Mexico City.
2017: Edelman tears ACL
In 2019, Julian Edelman co-founded 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.
February 2018: Edelman expected to be ready for training camp
In February 2018, reports indicated that Julian Edelman was expected to be ready to play by the 2018 training camp, following recovery from injury.
November 4, 2018: Wore Israeli Flag Hat
On November 4, 2018, Julian Edelman wore an Israeli flag hat following the Patriots' win against the Green Bay Packers, showing support for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
December 16, 2018: Wore Customized Cleats Bearing Hashtag
On December 16, 2018, Julian Edelman wore a pair of customized cleats bearing the hashtag #strongerthanhate in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and shared a photo of the cleats on Instagram listing the names of all the victims in the photo's caption.
2018: 2018 NFL Season
In 2019, Julian Edelman co-founded 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.
2018: Debate about Edelman in Hall of Fame
Julian Edelman's performance in the 2018 playoffs has led to debate about inducting him into the Hall of Fame.
May 21, 2019: Edelman signs contract extension with Patriots
On May 21, 2019, Julian Edelman signed a two-year, $18 million contract extension with the Patriots that keeps him under contract through the 2021 season.
2019: Edelman's 2019 Season
During the 2019 season, Julian Edelman achieved 100 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also suffered a rib injury in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
2019: Edelman ranked 90th in NFL Top 100
For his performance in 2018, Julian Edelman was ranked 90th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.
2019: Edelman co-founds Nuthouse Sports and Showtime documentary released
In 2019, Julian Edelman co-founded 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: Edelman discusses fatherhood
In 2019, Julian Edelman discussed the challenges and rewards of being a father in an interview with Haute Living magazine.
2019: Edelman makes Grammy Awards appearance
In 2019, Julian Edelman presented at the Grammy Awards with teammate Devin McCourty.
2019: Contract guaranteed through 2019 season
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.
January 11, 2020: Cited for Misdemeanor Vandalism
Around 9:00 p.m. on January 11, 2020, Julian Edelman was cited for misdemeanor vandalism by the Beverly Hills Police Department after he allegedly jumped on the hood of a car in Beverly Hills, California, causing damage.
April 2020: Charge Dropped
In April 2020, the charge against Julian Edelman was dropped by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office because Edelman had paid the car owner for the repair and had no criminal record.
October 25, 2020: Edelman plays final game
Julian Edelman played his final NFL game on October 25, 2020, in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
October 31, 2020: Edelman Placed on Injured Reserve After Knee Surgery
On October 31, 2020, Julian Edelman was placed on injured reserve after undergoing minor knee surgery.
November 30, 2020: Edelman placed on reserve/COVID-19 list
On November 30, 2020, Julian Edelman was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
December 16, 2020: Edelman Designated to Return From Injured Reserve
On December 16, 2020, Julian Edelman was designated to return from injured reserve.
2020: Retirement after 2020 Season
After the 2020 season, Julian Edelman retired from professional football, concluding his 12-season career with the New England Patriots.
January 1, 2021: Edelman would not be activated before end of season
On January 1, 2021, it was announced that Julian Edelman would not be activated from injured reserve before the end of the season.
April 12, 2021: Edelman announces retirement from NFL
On April 12, 2021, Julian Edelman announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons with the Patriots.
April 2021: ViacomCBS Deal and Inside the NFL Analyst Role
In April 2021, ViacomCBS signed a multi-year development deal with Coast Productions, with Julian Edelman joining Inside the NFL as an analyst, moving to Paramount+.
2021: Contract through 2021 season
On May 21, 2019, Julian Edelman signed a two-year, $18 million contract extension with the Patriots that keeps him under contract through the 2021 season.
August 2022: Edelman co-hosts Games with Names podcast
In August 2022, Julian Edelman and comedian Sam Morril began co-hosting the 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.
2022: Edelman Nominated for Sports Emmy
In 2022, Julian Edelman was nominated for a Sports Emmy for his first season on Inside the NFL.
2023: Edelman hosts Games with Names podcast by himself
In 2023, Julian Edelman continued to host the Games with Names podcast by himself after Sam Morril left the podcast.
October 15, 2024: Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules podcast debuted
On October 15, 2024, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski debuted the “Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules” podcast.
October 2024: Edelman partners with Rob Gronkowski on Nuthouse Sports
In October 2024, Julian Edelman and Assaf Swissa partnered with Rob Gronkowski on Nuthouse Sports.
October 2024: Edelman launches Dudes on Dudes podcast
In October 2024, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski launched another iHeartMedia podcast, Dudes on Dudes.
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