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, 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

1995: David Sloan's Postseason Performance

In 1995, David Sloan of the Detroit Lions became the first rookie to score two receiving touchdowns in one postseason game.

2003: Joshua Cribbs's Record Broken

At Kent State, Julian Edelman broke Joshua Cribbs's single-season school record for total offense in 2003.

2009: Holmes Wins Super Bowl MVP

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

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.

2010: Franchise Record in Return Average

In the 2010 season, Julian Edelman set a franchise record by averaging 15.3 yards per return, ranking second in the league. He played in 15 games, recording seven receptions for 86 yards and 321 return yards on 21 punt returns. In the Divisional Round against the New York Jets, he had a 12-yard reception.

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.

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.

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.

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.