Julian Edelman's Grit

      Edelman is a beast. The 28 year old former Kent State QB has really made his name well known across the league. A seventh round draft choice by the Patriots in 2009 Edelman made the switch to Wide Receiver to be able to play in the NFL. Edelman in his rookie season showed promise catching 37 balls for 359 yards and a score. He also developed a nice role as a punt returner (more on that later).

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The next two seasons featured Edelman barely involved on the offense and an occasional burst on special teams as he was plagued by injury.

In 2012 Edelman was healthy but wasn't asked for much on Offense but he continued to deepen himself as a great punt returner and was also

asked to play defensive back.

In 2013 with Wes Welker's departure many though the Free Agent pick up of Danny Amendola would fill in Welker's shoes. We were all wrong Edelman went on his way to having his best season of his career showing great toughness and some ability that Wes did not show. He finished the season with 105 catches for 1,056 Yards and six touchdowns and was still able to produce in the return game.

The following season many questioned if Edelman could continue to be productive or better yet even stay healthy. He proved his doubters wrong despite not playing a full season. Many times over the season Edelman took huge hits but kept asking for more and continued to chirp his way through defenses on third downs. He finished the season with 92 catches for 972 yards and four scores.

His greatness continued throughout the post season as he threw his first NFL pass for a touchdown to Danny Amendola.

Edelman's toughness and greatness really showed in the Super Bowl. In my opinion I thought he should have won MVP. He caught nine balls for 109 yards and the game winning touchdown. Edelman took hit after hit the entire game and fought for plenty of yards. In a hit were most receivers would have alligator armed the ball Edelman reached out and took a huge hit from Kam Chancellor over the middle on 3rd and 14 to save the drive. He bounced off and rumbled his way for a few extra yards. Two plays later the Patriots faced a 3rd and 8, Brady looked Edelman's way and prevailed yet again running for a first down and more. He struggled in agony to get up but he did. A few plays later Edelman ran a beautiful Zig route for a score to put the Patriots up and the rest is history.

Despite taking hit after hit Edelman showed his biggest heart and biggest performance in the biggest game of his career. Props to him as he continues to cement his legacy as a Patriot great.


ALL STATS COURTESY OF NFL.COM