It was February 5, 2017. The place was NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The event was Super Bowl LI. The New England Patriots had just forced overtime with the Atlanta Falcons. They were in position to cap the most improbable comeback in Super Bowl history.
For Patriots fans everywhere, the best was yet to come.
While the euphoria of this historic victory is still celebrated in New England, many Pats fans forget the fact that they probably never believed it could even happen. After all, no team had overcome that large of a deficit in Super Bowl history. In fact, most fans were likely as wide-eyed as Chief Brody (portrayed by the late, Roy Scheider) as he first laid eyes on the gigantic killer great white shark in the movie ‘Jaws.’
Be honest…how many of you were feeling like the Patriots “needed a bigger boat?”
Thankfully, the Patriots players and coaches believed that the vessel on which they were traveling, was more than suitable for the task. The Patriots capped off the amazing come-from-behind victory, and earned their fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Through it all…who was the most vocal motivator of that team?
It was, now former Patriots wide receiver, Julian Edelman.
The End of an Era
On Monday, the ‘JE11-Era’ came to an end in New England. Reports initially surfaced that the Patriots had released the veteran wideout, with the failed-physical designation as indicated on the NFL transaction wire. Shortly thereafter, Edelman himself took to social media to officially announce his retirement from the NFL.
In a brief video message, Edelman expressed the following sentiments:
“Nothing in my career has ever come easy and no surprise, this isn’t going to be easy either. I’ve always said, I’ll go until the wheels come off. And they finally have fallen off. Due to an injury last year, I’ll be making my official announcement of my retirement from football. It was a hard decision but the right decision for me and my family. And I’m honored and so proud to be retiring a Patriot.”
Originally drafted by New England in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman converted to the wide receiver position after having played quarterback both at the College of San Mateo and at Kent State University. He appeared in a total of 157 games (both regular season and postseason) and was never a stranger to the endzone during that timespan. In fact, Edelman has played a role in 48 total touchdowns in his eleven-year career, including two as a passer and four as a punt returner. He finishes his career with 620 regular season catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. However, Edelman’s star shined its brightest in the postseason. He totaled 118 receptions for 1,442 yards and 5 touchdowns in the playoffs, second on the league’s all-time list behind Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice, who holds the records for both receptions (151) and yards (2,245.)
Leading By Example
Despite his prowess on the football field, Julian Edelman’s legacy will likely be indelibly defined by his tenacity, perseverance and leadership. Whether it be defying the odds to become one of the most reliable pass catchers in the NFL, or playing through the pain of numerous injuries, Edelman remained relentless in the pursuit of his goals.
Even when the day seemed to be at its darkest hour, Julian Edelman believed that his persistence would light the way.
Perhaps the greatest example of Edelmen’s resolve can be found on that fateful February day in Houston. Without even mentioning his incredible catch that made it all possible, Edelman’s determination took center stage in the locker room at halftime. Despite being down 21-3, Edelman told quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels that he believed the Pats would, indeed, win the game, adding that it would be a ‘hell of a story.”
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Amazingly, Edelman was not done foreshadowing. Just prior to the start of overtime, he once again had a message for Brady, his good friend and teammate. This time, it wasn’t so much of a game prediction, as it was a reminder to never quit the fight:
“Let’s win this thing. For your mom. For your mom, bro,” he said.
Brady’s mother, Galynn, had been undergoing cancer treatment for much of 2016. Her health had prevented her from being able to attend Patriots games for the majority of the season. However, she was in Houston on that day to cheer on her son and his team as they competed for a championship. Her presence reminded the team of the true meaning of courage and perseverance. The Patriots scored on the opening drive and fulfilled Edelman’s prediction.
In his words, it was truly ‘one hell of a story.’
A Path Well Trod
Julian Edelman would be the first to say that a professional athlete should not need extra motivation. Determination and love for the game should be more than enough to stoke the flames of pursuing success . His words during Super Bowl LI were not meant to serve as rallying cry. His plea was not a ‘win one for the Gipper’ type speech. Most importantly, he certainly was not exploiting the condition of his close friend’s mother. Instead, he simply served a reminder that the fight is never over, as long as there is a chance to win. The chance may not be great. Yet if it exists, you have to take it.
While Edelman’s competitive fire will always burn, his physical durability could no longer support his desire to continue playing the game he loves. In his own words, the “wheels finally fell off.” Again, he was no stranger to the rigors of overcoming physical adversity. Having missed the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL, Edelman continued to battle injuries throughout the remainder of his career. During his 2019 campaign, he fought through shoulder, chest and knee injuries; all while missing minimal time. In fact, any one of those injuries would have kept a lesser competitor away from the field for an extended period. Yet, Julian Edelman fought not only to remain active, but to remain a valued member of the Patriots offense. Even as he was limited to six games in 2020, Edelman still showed flashes of the prowess and determination that some believe may yet land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. In what would eventually become his final season, Edelman set a career-high 179 receiving yards versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week Two. He ultimately finished the season with 21 caught passes for 315 yards, before undergoing a procedure to repair his knee in October.
With the Patriots set to embark on a pivotal 2021 NFL season, they will be doing so without Julian Edelman on their active roster. Losing Edelman on the field means that the Patriots must face a season without one of the toughest and most prolific targets in their arsenal. It will be a tall task, for sure. As several of his former teammates, coaches, and competitors compliment him on a path well trod, be reminded that Edelman is not straying far from the game of football. In fact, the Patriots will carry a piece of Edelman’s spirit each time they put his motivational example into action. It requires neither a social media campaign, nor a t-shirt bearing its slogan. Instead, it will remain a commitment between teammates; between brothers. As he fought for them, they will honor him by never quitting the fight. The Patriots can have Edelman present with them for each game by saying to themselves, ‘let’s win this thing’ just like he did back in February 2017.
For all the memories that Julian Edelman has provided Patriots Nation throughout his amazing career, his most lasting impact on the New England Patriots organization may just be starting to take shape.
-Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and Columnist for Full Press Coverage. He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. He is also the host of the Locked On Patriots podcast. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC