Julian Edelman Is An NFL Great, But Not A Hall Of Famer

On Monday, New England Patriots great Julian Edelman called it a career, officially announcing his retirement from the NFL in a video posted to Twitter.

Foxboro Forever pic.twitter.com/x3SDDPJoTX

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) April 12, 2021

The former seventh-round draft pick finishes his career ranked second in receptions (620) and fourth in receiving yards (6,822) in Patriots franchise history. He was a key cog in three New England Super Bowl victories, and took home the Super Bowl LIII MVP after hauling in 10 receptions for 141 yards against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Edelman was a big-game player. He ranks second in NFL history in postseason receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,442), behind only Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. His fingertip snag off a tipped pass during the Patriots’ historic comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI is forever cemented as one of the NFL’s most iconic moments. 

Edelman’s retirement marks the end of a Patriots era marked by incredible success. With the departure of Tom Brady last season after 21 years with the organization, Patriots fans clung to Edelman as one of the last remaining big-name holdovers from the dynasty era. 

The first thing we do when any player retires is pull up the stats. So, let’s take a look at Edelman’s career numbers. 

In 11 NFL seasons — all with the Patriots — Edelman racked up 620 catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. He had over 1,000 yards in three seasons but never had more than seven touchdowns in a single season. Not once did he lead the NFL in any statistical category. His 650 catches rank 75th all time, his 6,822 yards, 156th, while his 36 career touchdowns catches don’t even crack the top 250 all time. 

Edelman, a quarterback during his college playing days at Kent State, intrigued Patriots coach Bill Belichick to the point that he drafted him before even knowing which position he’d play in the NFL. Edelman quickly caught on as a slot receiver, replacing the hugely successful Wes Welker in the process. 

Edelman was great. There’s no doubt about it. But not all great NFL players are worthy of the Hall of Fame. 

Perhaps the most damning case for Edelman’s exclusion from the Hall are the receivers that came before him who have not received a gold jacket. 

Welker: 

Welker’s numbers dwarf Edelman’s. In his 12 NFL seasons, he compiled 903 catches for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns. He was a two-time All-Pro and made five Pro Bowls. Edelman never made an All-Pro team and was not once selected to a Pro Bowl. 

Hines Ward: 

Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward more than doubled Edelman’s career touchdown mark (85) and was selected to four Pro Bowls. His numbers speak for themselves. 

love Julian Edelman…

but compare his career to Hines Ward, who can’t make the final ballot in HOF voting the last 5 years

catches
Hines 1,000
Julian 620

yards
Hines 12,083
Julian 6,822

TDs
Hines 85
Julian 36

Super Bowl MVPs
Hines 1
Julian 1

Pro Bowls
Hines 4
Julian 0

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 12, 2021

Torry Holt:

The St. Louis Rams great is not in the Hall of Fame. A member of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt tallied 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns. If Holt is unworthy of the Hall of Fame, Edelman also does not belong. 

Not every great player belongs in the Hall of Fame. Some guys are simply remembered as great players. Edelman falls in this category. He will be a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame and he’ll be remembered for his clutch postseason moments, but while a handful of big time postseason plays certainly deserves our appreciation, an invitation to the Hall of Fame requires career statistics that pop off the page. 

Edelman will go down as an all time great New England Patriot. But a deserving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is not.

The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

The Daily Wire is one of America’s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news, opinion, and entertainment. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases