Julian Edelman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Julian Edelman.

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

1976: Mike Haynes' Punt Return

In 1976, Mike Haynes set a Patriots record with an 89-yard punt return.

1995: David Sloan's Postseason Performance

In 1995, David Sloan became the first rookie since then to score two receiving touchdowns in a postseason game.

2001: Troy Brown's Punt Return

In 2001, Troy Brown was the last Patriot to return a punt for a touchdown in the regular season before Edelman's in 2010.

2003: Breaking School Record

In 2003, at Kent State University, Julian Edelman broke Joshua Cribbs' single-season school record for total offense.

2007: Randy Moss Receives Award

In 2007, Randy Moss received an award.

2009: Santonio Holmes wins Super Bowl XLIII MVP

In 2009, Santonio Holmes became the first wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP since Super Bowl XLIII.

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.

2010: Averaging 15.3 yards per return

In the 2010 season, Julian Edelman set a franchise record by averaging 15.3 yards per return, ranking second in the league.

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: 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.

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: Breakout Season

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

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.

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.

2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2016, Julian Edelman was ranked 87th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2017: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2017, Julian Edelman was ranked 71st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

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.