Patriots WR Julian Edelman retiring after 11 seasons
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman announced his retirement in a video on Monday that featured him in an empty Gillette Stadium.
“Nothing in my career has ever come easy,” Edelman said. “An no surprise, this isn’t going to be easy either. “I’ve always said, ‘I’m a go until the wheels come off.’ And they finally have fallen off”
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“Due to an injury last year, I’ll be making an official announcement of my retirement from football. It was a hard decision, but the right decision for me and my family. I’m honored and so proud to be retiring a Patriot.”
The #Patriots have terminated the contract of WR Julian Edelman, per the wire. He’s listed as a failed physical.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 12, 2021
The announcement comes after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported he was cut by the Patriots because of a failed physical. But it was later reported that his release was likely a formality for his retirement, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
While Julian Edelman showed up on today's transaction wire as having his contract terminated by the Patriots, Edelman has been mulling retirement and this could just be a precursor to that announcement.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 12, 2021
Read: James Wiseman Could Be Out For Season With Torn MeniscusÂ
In 2020, Julian Edelman appeared in only six games and had 21 receptions for 315 yards and no touchdowns. He underwent knee surgery and was placed on injured reserve in October and was never activated again.
Edelman, 34, has played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Patriots since being drafted in 2009. He won three Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LIII against the Rams where he was named Super Bowl MVP for his 10 receptions and 141 receiving yards.
He ranks fourth all-time in franchise history in receptions (620) and receiving yards (6,822).
