Read Bill Belichick Glowing Statement On Julian Edelman’s Retirement

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has waived his final goodbye to veteran wideout Julian Edelman. The greatest wide receiver of all times is leaving the team and the NFL.

Belichick praised Edelman for his toughness and competitiveness. Edelman is incredible versatile, and Belichick respects that. His career with the Patriots was more than awesome. He won three Super Bowls as a Patriot. Edelman has more postseason catches and receiving yards than any football player other than Jerry Rice.

“By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career — wins, championships, production — Julian has it all,” Belichick said. “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.”

Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick respect Julian Edelman

Patriots owner Robert Kraft likes Edelman. The former college quarterback became one of the ultimate slot receivers in the NFL. The Patriots selected him in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Edelman earned a roster spot at a position he had never played before. He will retire as a player with the second-most career receptions in team history.

According to Kraft, Edelman was more committed than any other player. He carved his skills to perfection. His explosiveness helped the Patriots win a lot of games and his clutch catches made the best headlines.