Julian Edelman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

1976: Longest Punt Return

During Week 17 of the 2010 season, Julian Edelman's 94-yard punt return touchdown eclipsed an 89-yard return by Mike Haynes in 1976.

1995: First Rookie to Score Postseason Touchdowns

In the Wild Card Round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens during the 2009 season, Julian Edelman became the first rookie since David Sloan in 1995 to score two receiving touchdowns in a single postseason game.

2001: Last Punt Return Touchdown

During Week 17 of the 2010 season, Julian Edelman scored the first punt return touchdown by a Patriot in the regular season since Troy Brown returned one against the Carolina Panthers in the Week 17 of the 2001 season.

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.

2007: AFC Offensive Player of the Week

During the 2016 season, Julian Edelman became the first Patriots wide receiver to receive the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award since Randy Moss in 2007.

2009: Santonio Holmes wins Super Bowl MVP

In 2009, Santonio Holmes won Super Bowl MVP. Julian Edelman became the first wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP since Santonio Holmes did so in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.

2010: 94-Yard Punt Return Touchdown

During Week 17 of the 2010 season against the Miami Dolphins, Julian Edelman had three receptions for 72 yards and a 94-yard punt return touchdown, which was the longest punt return in Patriots franchise history at the time.

2010: Franchise Record

In the 2010 NFL Season, Julian Edelman set a franchise record by averaging 15.3 yards per return. He played in 15 games with seven receptions for 86 yards and 321 return yards on 21 punt returns.

2011: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

In Week 11 of the 2011 season, Julian Edelman was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He played defensive back in nickel and dime situations and also returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown.

2012: Increased Snap Count and Punt Return Touchdown

During the 2012 season, Julian Edelman's snap count increased, and he had one of the best games of his career in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, including a 68-yard punt return touchdown, tying the Patriots franchise mark with three punt return touchdowns.

2013: NFL Punt Return Leader

During the 2013 season opener, Julian Edelman became the NFL's all-time leader in career punt return average, with 13.0 yards per return, before his average dropped shortly afterward.

2014: Punt Return Touchdown Record

In 2014, Julian Edelman passed Troy Brown for the most punt return touchdowns in Patriots history, with his fourth career return touchdown during Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.

2015: Super Bowl XLIX Victory

In Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, Julian Edelman led all receivers with 109 yards on nine receptions, including the final go-ahead touchdown reception with 2:02 left in the fourth quarter, helping the Patriots win 28-24. He was later ranked 91st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking

For his efforts in 2015, Julian Edelman was ranked 87th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2017: NFL Top 100 Ranking

For his efforts in 2016, Julian Edelman was ranked 71st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

2019: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2019

In 2019, Julian Edelman was ranked 90th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019, reflecting his performance and standing among his peers.