Julian Edelman Shares ‘Atrocious’ Patriots Film Session That Led To Retirement

Julian Edelman left the New England Patriots and announced his retirement not so while ago. He had a really big reason to do this.

Health issues.

Edelman’s wheels came off, so he had to go home. That’s what he said. In his interview with Ryen Russillo, Jules said that he made the decision after one particular film session.

“Atrocious. That’s honestly why I retired,” Edelman said of his performance. “When you start looking old — it’s not even just the games, it’s the practices, the body language. I mean, I wanted to throw up. That’s why I had to retire.”

Julian Edelman was the top Patriots WR, but his retirement didn’t shock fans

Opponents weren’t afraid of him. That’s what Edelman said. He wasn’t too old, but opponents went against him without a second thought. The 2018 Super Bowl MVP didn’t want to embarrass himself, his team, and his family.

“When you’re a younger player — I remember — you play a couple guys, and they’re in their absolute prime when you’re still trying to figure things out,” Edelman said. “And then you figure things out, and it’s like four or five years later, and that guy that you still are battling who was a badass dude has diminished. That’s blood in the water. I’m going to embarrass him every time. I’m going to try to light him up, because I remember how hard it was and how he used to embarrass me.

“The blood was in the water,” he said. “Guys were going to come after me. I had to get out.”

Edelman may be out of the game, but he follows every move the Patriots make. The 2022 team looks really different and Edelman is excited about the new season. He is excited about Mac Jones’ second season on the Patriots offense.

Will Edelman change his mind and return to the field? He will need “three, maybe four weeks” to prepare if Belichick needs him to join the team. They still talk on the phone. Edelman is a former MVP and he could contribute to the game. Belichick can always rely on his hard-working player. Simple as that.