Three time Super Bowl champ Edelman retires
Three time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman calls it a career after a 12 years in the NFL. Although never selected to a Pro Bowl he was a Super Bowl MVP.
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.
Edelman, a seventh-round pick in 2009, played a crucial role in the second half of the Patriots' dynasty, winning three Super Bowl titles with New England.
Super Bowl MVP Edelman hanging up the cleats after more than a decade
He was named Super Bowl LIII MVP for his performance in the most recent of the Patriots' championship triumphs, which saw him make 10 catches for 141 yards.
Consistently reliable in the biggest moments, Edelman ranks second in postseason receiving yards (1,442) and receptions (118).
Edelman played until his body didn't allow him to anymore
But a knee injury suffered last season has put an end to his storied career, with his retirement announced shortly after the Patriots released him with a failed physical designation.
In a video announcement on Twitter, Edelman said: "I've always said, I'll go until the wheels come off, and they've finally fallen off.
"Due to an injury last year, I'll be making my official announcement of my retirement from football.
"It's a hard decision but the right decision for me and my family. I'm honoured and so proud to be retiring a Patriot."
Belichick rains praise upon his former reciever
Head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement: "By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all.
"Few players can match Julian's achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic.
"This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out.
"Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances.
"For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player.
Edelman was at his best in the post season
"He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him."
Edelman finishes his career second in Patriots history with 620 receptions, fourth with 6,822 receiving yards and ninth with 36 receiving touchdowns.
He racked up 58 rushing attempts for 413 yards, the most rushing attempts and rushing yards by a receiver in franchise history. Edelman's total of 9,869 all-purpose yards is fourth in team history.