The Emotional Tributes to Julian Edelman Keep Pouring in, and if You're Not Crying You Must Be Dead Inside
Goodbyes are among the trickiest of all things to pull off. Rarely does anyone accomplish the truly graceful, memorable exit. It's why my people turned the Irish Goodbye into an art form. As Longfellow put it, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.”
And so it was that when Julian Edelman perfectly stuck the landing with his "Foxboro Forever" video, it would set off a seismic emotional shift that would cause a tsunami of tears. Some sad, but mostly happy thing the grand scheme of things. And the outpouring of tributes that followed his announcement from the people who've worked with, fought with, relied on and ultimately triumphed with Minitron for the last decade plus, have lived up to his farewell address.
Gird your loins. Feelings are about to get really real up in here.
From Mr. Kraft:
David J Phillip. Shutterstock Images.“Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history. There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend throughout his career. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England.”
From Bill Belichick:
“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. 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.”
From Tom Brady:
As I was writing this note, Vivi saw the first picture and said “daddy, tell Julian to cut his beard, I don’t like it”…which of course Jules, she never did like it….but you know who did…Me!! Because it meant you were locked in and it was playoff time. That was when you shined the most. On the biggest stage and in the biggest moments, you always came through. I was a witness to so much of the journey and am so proud of you and how you grew from 7th round underdog to an older 7th round underdog. The truth is, you never really grew up 😂😂! You never lost that chip on your shoulder. You never let anyone define you as a person or player. You have so many teammates that admired your work ethic and will to win, and I am at the top of the list because when I was down and feeling sorry for myself at times, you were right there to pick me up. You were as tough as could be and I love you for all that you did to make our teams as great as they could possibly be.
Seeing you become a dad and the changes you made in your life made me so encouraged and happy for you. Life is about gratitude and perspective! I am so happy for you and your family. You had an amazing football journey, an amazing life journey in New England, and I have no doubt you will succeed in anything you choose to do next! LFG ❤️❤️❤️
P.S. the best met gala date crasher in the world! 🤣
The NFL:
The Barstool Socials with one of the great Edelman-adjacent clips of all time:
Chris Hogan:
Dont'a Hightower:
The McCourtys:
James White:
Gonna miss you out there on the field bro! And your freestyles in the locker room 😂 it’s been a pleasure bro!
And Danny Amendola:
One of the most incredible professional athletes and game time competitors. In the basement, in the street or in the 4th quarter of the biggest game. No matter what we do we gotta believe. Thanks for being you Squirrel. Unbelievable career. Unbelievable friend. #LFG #Batman
Me right now:
That is, if you replace that single, manly, Spartacus tear with an uncontrollable, full-body, ugly-faced, shameless weeping session. And I apologize for nothing. If you're not choked up at a moment like this, then you are a broken, hollowed out, soulless husk in the shape of a human. I don't know why anyone would waste their time following sports if you can't get emotionally invovled in a moment like this. An unrecruited high school athlete walks on at Kent State and becomes their quarterback. He gets selected toward the tail end of the last round of the NFL draft. Spends four seasons becoming a starter. And after all that, achieves greatness. Has a profound impact on the history of his league. Plays for one team his whole career and leaves with his head held high. To quote Edelman himself, that's "a hell of a story."
Slot receiver. Runner of reverses. Touchdown thrower. Part time defensive back. Punt returner. One of the clutchest performers the game has ever known. Legend. And a reason for all of us to rejoice. Even though the ending is bittersweet indeed.
Since I quoted Longfellow, here's another brilliant, influential British thinker, Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Godspeed. I'm gonna need a bigger box of tissues.