Patriots’ Julian Edelman Receives Highest Praise From Matthew Slater

Julian Edelman just got some heavy praise from Matthew Slater. The New England Patriots have been having a very busy off season this year. They have been doing everything they can in order to get back on track in the 2020 season. With Tom Brady’s departure to Tampa Bay, it will be very interesting to see how they are able to bounce back. This will be the first time in 20 years without Brady at the helm.

But the signing of Cam Newton helps that. Newton is a former NFL MVP and could have a huge impact on the Patriots’ offense this season. With the disappointing offense last year, it will be interesting to see what he can do with the pieces around him. This is one thing that they Patriots have been trying to do.

Even with all of the moves the Patriots have been making and how far they have to go, Matthew Slater still things that the Patriots have a good chance to be great.

Patriots’ Julian Edelman Receives Highest Praise From Matthew Slater

His thoughts on this boil down to one player in particular, it looks like. And that player is veteran Julian Edelman.

Slater shared his opinions on Edelman as a player and teammate. He had 3 minutes straight of praise for Edelman.

“I’ve got to tell you, I don’t know that I’m still playing in this league without having him alongside me the last 12 years,” said Slater, who’s been with the Patriots since 2008. “He’s been such an encouragement for me. To see a guy like that give so much of himself to this team, this organization, this city has been inspiring. I have seen this guy grow as a man. I’ve seen him grow as a professional. I’ve seen him learn from mistakes and be better for it. All the things that you hope to have in a guy that represents your franchise, he embodies.

Patriots’ Julian Edelman Receives Highest Praise From Matthew Slater

“It’s only fitting that he’s still being counted out, he’s still being overlooked, because that’s just going to add more of a chip to what’s already a large chip on his shoulders. And this guy — I was going to say young man; I can call him a young man because I’m older than him. This young man has really done so much for this organization. You talk about what makes Julian special — there’s so many things you can look at and point to — but to me, I think it’s his work ethic and his willingness to put his body through pain and discipline and continue to fight to get better, continue to fight to compete.

“And I think he gets that from his father. His father set a tremendous example for him in the way that he raised Julian and the way that he continues to encourage Julian. So you tip the hat to his family. He has a strong support system. And this is a guy (who) doesn’t know the meaning of quit. He doesn’t understand what it means to quit or to give up or to have self-doubt. Julian continues to try to do what people say he can’t do. He loves this game so much. Julian pays this game the respect that it’s due. And as a result, you see a guy who’s been able to sustain success for a long time at a very tough position in this league.

Patriots’ Julian Edelman Receives Highest Praise From Matthew Slater

“He’s a champion. He’s a clutch player. And he may not be the flashiest guy on paper, he may not be the fastest guy, the biggest guy, but ultimately, when you’re in clutch situations, clutch moments, and you need plays made, I can’t think of anybody that I’d rather have than Julian Edelman. And that’s from a guy who’s lived with him for a period of time, believe it or not, who’s seen him do life day in and day out. He’s not perfect, but he certainly does his best every day to improve and to better himself at his craft and better himself as a man.

“So I’m thankful for Julian, thankful for his friendship. (I) look forward to what the good Lord has in store for him here in his 12th season here in New England.”