Before the 2009 NFL drafts, the New England Patriots planned some workouts with Julian Edelman. While he was called in the seventh round, the Pats trusted him to become one of the faces of their second dynasty in the 2010s. And they were absolutely correct. As a quarterback out of Kent who accepted that the position was not his calling, he would practice for the others just to be a successful part in an NFL team. Although the three Super Bowl trophies in his closet and a SB III MVP nod would suffice his legacy in Foxborough, the franchise has now given him one more honor to carry, and he only has three words as a response.

The Patriots are finally tipping their helmet to the slot machine himself—with a spot on the 2025 Patriots Hall of Fame ballot. And his response? Just three words on X: “In great company.” Which, to be fair, is both humble and accurate. Edelman joins kicker-God Adam Vinatieri and trench warrior Logan Mankins on the ballot.

That’s a kicker who drilled daggers in two Super Bowls, and a guard who practically had Tom Brady’s blind side wrapped in bubble wrap for a decade. Not bad company for a former college QB-turned-wide receiver who was drafted 232nd overall.

But this isn’t just about the names on the ballot—it’s about why Edelman belongs in that red jacket. Regular season stats? Meh. In total, he appeared in 137 regular season games over the course of his 12-year career and caught 620 passes for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. Just three 1,000-yard campaigns, no Pro Bowls, no All-Pros. But postseason? Oh, boy, you are in for a treat.

“I don’t have a little brother, but he’s kind of like a little brother.” That was Tom Brady, back in his TB12 days, talking about Julian Edelman because he respected his game. And unless you watched him play, you’d say, ‘Obviously, Tom’s gonna root for his teammate.’

But no! In simple terms, Edelman was never the flashiest guy on the field. He wasn’t racking up 1,500-yard seasons or showing up in Pro Bowl lineups. But if football was a poker game, Edelman was the player who walked in with a 7-2 off-suit and still took your chips.

You remember how the NFL basically became “The Tom Brady Show” every January? Well, guess who was always the co-star? Edelman ranks second all-time—yeah, right behind Jerry Rice—in both playoff receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,442).

You can argue that he only got those chances because the Patriots were always in the playoffs. And you’d be right. But also… that’s the point. He earned every January target. From the touchdown dime he tossed to WR Daniel Amendola against the Ravens in 2014, to the toe-tap catches in Arrowhead, to outdueling Rams corners on the way to a Super Bowl MVP—Edelman was chaos in cleats when it mattered the most.

Bill Belichick put it best: “Julian was the ultimate competitor… in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights.” That’s high praise from the Hoodie.

So no, Edelman might not have Canton calling just yet. But this Patriots Hall of Fame nod? It’s not a charity gesture—it’s a recognition of one of the most important players in the greatest dynasty of all time. For 11 seasons, Edelman was the heartbeat of Foxborough in the postseason. You don’t need a Pro Bowl for that. Just clutch gene, grit, and maybe a busted rib or two. And of course, his teammates admired him for the same.

Julian Edelman: TB12’s favorite

Back in 2019, Tom Brady said the quiet part out loud — he loved Julian Edelman. Not just as a teammate. As his guy. The go-to. The “little brother” who always showed up when it mattered. The chemistry was off the charts. “He knows how much I love him,” Brady said.

And yeah, you could see it– On the field, in the huddle, on the bench, when Edelman yelled “You’re too old!” at Brady after a touchdown. That’s love in football terms. Fiery, ruthless, and somehow still wholesome. And when we watched them together, there was always this feeling of, ‘Teammates, but more.’

We all know about the GOAT! But Edelman wasn’t built like Megatron and it didn’t matter. He grinded, more like, grinned his way into Patriots lore, putting up 850 yards in 2018 after an ACL tear and a 4-game suspension.

Edelman’s path was never easy– QB-turned-WR, seventh rounder, almost bailed for the CFL. But something in his gut said, “Not yet.” Sound familiar? Same underdog chip Brady carried out of Michigan. Two California kids. Two overlooked prospects. And the two athletes who fell in love with the 49ers, then made a dynasty of their own.

Now, when Brady bolted to Tampa, you better believe, “I tried to get him to come to Tampa,” Brady admitted. Didn’t work. Edelman stuck around one last year in Foxborough before hanging his cleats. But imagine if he had gone. Just imagine.

Look, Canton doesn’t usually open its doors for slot receivers who weren’t WR1s. But you, Pats fans? You know what Edelman meant. You watched it. Lived it. The clutch third downs, the Super Bowl MVP, the fearless over-the-middle grabs, and the “get-it-together” glances with Brady.

So, maybe he’s not in the Hall yet. But if we’re being honest — and this is between us — Edelman’s already got a golden jacket. It just happens to be invisible… Unless you’re watching with your heart. And if he doesn’t walk the Canton again, it’d be understandable, because it’s not a game of hearts.