Transitioning between positions is an almighty task for any player suiting up in the NFL. However, very few managed it as graciously and spectacularly as Julian Edelman. While he started as a quarterback in high school as well during his collegiate days at Kent State, the shift to the pros also brought about a change of positions. He transitioned into a return specialist and wide receiver and became the primary offensive weapon for a dynasty.
Drafted in the 7th round with the 232nd overall pick, Edelman was further evidence to the legendary scouting department of the New England Patriots that selected Tom Brady 100th overall. Knowing that his fortunes as a quarterback in the NFL were low, Edelman was prepared to play at different positions. A 75-yard punt return in the Patriots’ preseason game officially solidified his spot on the roster. Moreover, it became a microcosm for a career that while unspectacular turned legendary when the lights were at their brightest. The fun started right from his rookie season, as Edelman became the first rookie in 15 years to score two receiving touchdowns in a postseason game. His second season saw his regular season numbers improve as well as he set the franchise record with 15.3 yards per return. His defensive presence in his third-year campaign led the Patriots throughout the playoffs en route to a Super Bowl appearance. In spite of a 73 yards return total from Julian, the Patriots ultimately fell short. Over the next two years, Edelmann improved his defensive capabilities even while battling injuries. He set a unique record by becoming the first player in over 40 years to record a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in consecutive games. He also became one of three players in Patriots history to catch 100 passes in a season during that time period.
The 2014 season, however, is when Edelman and the Patriots truly took off.
What is Julian Edelman’s Height?
Julian Edelman has a recorded height of 5 feet and 10 inches or 1.78 meters. Julian Francis Edelman was born on May 22, 1986, in Redwood City, California. While he spent a magical senior year in high school leading his team to a perfect 13-0 record, Edelman’s move to College of San Mateo and then Kent State University saw him put solid quarterbacking numbers. However, it was the move to Wide Receiver that truly changed his trajectory.
After some solid seasons, the trajectory for Edelman changed in 2014. A solid regular season saw him break the franchise record for most punt return touchdowns. Then, started the legend of playoff Julian. First, in the Divisional Round game, Edelman threw a forward pass resulting in a 51-yard touchdown that tied the game at 28-28. It was his first pass attempt ever. He bettered himself by completing a touchdown reception at the tail-end of the game that cemented New England’s victory in the Super Bowl. He continued his spectacular play in their second Super Bowl victory of the decade as well, as “the greatest catch in Super Bowl history”, that came as a result of a tip into a bounce-off leg, leading to a shocking reception, spearheaded the historic Patriots comeback as they rallied from down 28-3 to a 34-28 victory in overtime.
He saved his best for last, though. Catching 10 passes on 12 targets for 141 yards, Edelman was the lone bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming 13-3 Super Bowl victory for the Patriots. For his efforts, he became the first wide receiver in nearly a decade to win the Super Bowl MVP.
2 years later, Edelman retired from the NFL after 12 years with the Patriots franchise. While he never even made a Pro Bowl, his legacy with arguably the greatest team in the sport’s history is secure. The bigger the moment got, the better Edelman played. Despite being heavily undersized for the WR position, Julian’s mental toughness, clutch factor, and instincts made him a dangerous postseason competitor. It was these factors, despite the disadvantage, that led him to third place on the postseason receiving yards and receptions list while also holding the record for punt returns in a single Super Bowl. A three-time Super Bowl champion, with MVP honors in the last one, Edelman was named to the All-2010s as well as the All-Dynasty Team of the New England Patriots.
FAQs
A. Despite a historic performance, Julian Edelman’s MVP honor in Super Bowl XLIII was met with criticism due to his earlier controversies and suspension relating to PES.
A. Even though he came into the draft as a quarterback, Julian Edelman recorded 4.52 seconds on the 40-yard dash.
A. Born in May 1986, Julian Edelman is 37 years old as of August 2023.
A. In his 12-year career with the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman won 3 Super Bowls, even winning Super Bowl MVP in his final appearance.
A. Far shorter than what is considered ideal for the Wide Receiver position, Julian Edelman stands at about 5 feet 10 inches tall, or about 1.78 meters.
